have you looked into spider mites? When they terrorize a plant the leaves and stems will turn brown and dry up.

I am willing to bet if you look at the roots when you pull the plant out, you will find you have nematodes, especially given your location.
Here are some photos:

Carla in Sac

Here is a link that might be useful: Nematodes on tomatoes

Hi Carla,

So, you're just helping me with everything! My plants don't look near as bad as the ones in the pictures - just a little here and a little there - but that is the general idea. Various branches just drying up for no apparent reason. I've never had that problem before - that I've noticed. But, since the plants would have been bigger maybe it wasn't as noticeable. But, my potted tomato plant is doing the same so I'm not sure. But, they could have gotten in there as well since the soil wasn't brand new.

Do you have any suggestions or do you just accept it and power through? Thanks!

Hi gardenmommy,

"I would think it was blight except it's on everything - hybrids included. I didn't think hybrids could get blight."

ANY tomato plant can get blight (early, late or southern), some hybrids may have disease resistance bred into them, but that does not mean they will be disease proof. If you have a blight in your garden, then all of your plants will probably eventually be affected by it. Some varieties, including some heirloom and open pollinated ones, will be slower to be affected.

Betsy

any chance of pictures?

I don't think many plants would do well planted in July and especially nursery "rejects". It has been hot as ---- here in MO and I think it gets that way in Sacramento. I'm no expert and there may be an explaination for your dried up branches, but I would blame harsh weather for your poor results.

Did you tease the roots of these rootbound rejects before planting them? If you just put them in the ground with a knot of roots then that and the July temps is most likely the problem. Because of that stress they are subject to anything and everything else that effects them.