Thanks for the questions Sammy .......

1) I used a top quality Yates potting mix specially prepared for veggies in pots. I've used it before so knew it would be okay. I also washed out the pots first and didn't use any of the old soil.

2) The dieback started at the bottom and worked it's way to the top. I did wonder if I perhaps should have nipped the top of the bushes off when they were first growing but they were so lush and so green!

3) I've grown tomatoes in pots and in soil before ... never have I seen them go like that. I had plenty of water too but didn't flood them. The lady who runs the Victim Support service where I volunteer was telling me that her tomatoes were all ripening quickly with the weather but all the leaves on her plants had died like mine did! Weather perhaps?

"Thanks to God .... for making me an Atheist!"
Ricky Gervais
Golden Globe Awards - 2011