Is that regular soil? Soil in containers is a no-no. Containers need a soilless potting mix that doesn't get compacted. Actually trying to compact the soil makes the situation even worse. Those roots are suffocating for lack of air, and they can't take up nutrition properly without some aeration.

You're in zone 8 but Sunset 5--is that the Pacific NW?

If it's early enough that the plants aren't too tall, I would repot them in potting MIX. Not garden soil, topsoil, or anything that claims to be soil.

The organic soil can go into your in-ground beds or raised beds. It'll be very good for that.

Thanks, gorbelly! I knew he was compacting the soil, so now I can tell him someone more experienced than me agrees.

I hadn't heard that you shouldn't use soil in pots at all (except for seeds/seedlings, of course), so thanks for that info. I still have so much to learn.

Yes, we're in the PNW - Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula.

Well...I was too lazy to completely repot them, but I dug out the soil from the sides of the roots, and filled in with Master Nursery Bumper Crop, liquid Kelp, and some other things (too long ago to remember it all). The plants perked up over the next few weeks and we've had a few nice tomatoes. I didn't give them the attention they needed over the summer (health issues), but they are healthy and putting out some tasty toms. Thanks again!