Did the wilting start at the top or bottom of the plant. I was not sure exactly what you meant by the "first three inches". The reason I ask is there is something called 'Fusarium wilt'. description: lower leaves turn ywllow, wilt, and die. Then upper shoots wilt and eventually the whole plant dies.When the stem is sliced lengthwise near the soil line, then tissue 1/8 inch under the surface id found to be dark brown.' It is caused by a fungus (fusarium oxysporum ssp. lycopersici) that affects only tomatoes. The cure according to this book is to rip up the contaminated plants to prevent further infection. Since I myself would be most reluctant to rip any of my green babies out of the ground even in sickness, i am including this recipe in hopes that maybe your tomatoes are only suffering a bit of a nutrient deficiancy. So I offer forth this recipe courtesy of Jerry Baker's Backyard Problem Solver (a book I highly recommend to ANY gardener) TOMATO BOOSTER TONIC: 2 tbsp epsom salts, 1 tsp baby shampoo, 1 gal. water. Mix these ingredients together, and liberally soak the soil around the tomato plants as they flower to stimulate their growth. It will help them take up more nutrients. You might also check into tobacco mosaic virus-often arrives courtesy of a cigarrette, but can be carried on contaminated plants or in containers they've been in contact with. It lives in the soil for as long as 5 years and infects plants in the Tobacco/Nightshade family i.e.- tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, and potatoes. The disease can also be spread by insects or human touch. Symptoms vary. I hope all this gives some help....
Tempest~