Solving Fusarium Wilt Wilt On Tomatoes

Q: My UGA Extension office says I have fusarium wilt on my tomatoes. I was thinking of laying plastic over the area and letting the sun cook the soil. 

A: Solarizing the soil is a good option to control diseases and weeds but it takes several weeks of sunny summer weather to be effective. Till your tomato spot, then lightly irrigate. Scatter a few bricks or plastic pots across the area, then stretch clear (not black) plastic sheet over it. Anchor the edges tightly with soil. Heat, formed when the sunlight hits the soil, is trapped under the plastic and warms the soil appreciably. Leave the plastic in place for at least four weeks.