Summer Tomato Problems - Ep. 262

Summer Tomato Problems - Ep. 262

Author: Karin Velez August 12, 2025 Duration: 26:51

Is your summer tomato crop struggling with strange spots, brown mushy bottoms, or mysteriously vanishing leaves? You’re not alone! Mid-season brings a whole host of challenges for tomato gardeners, but with a little know-how, you can keep your plants thriving through to fall.

Today on Just Grow Something, I dig deep into the four biggest summer tomato problems: blossom end rot, tomato hornworms, nutrient imbalances, and common leaf diseases like Septoria and early blight. Learn how fluctuating moisture leads to blossom end rot (hint: it’s not just about calcium!), practical mulching and watering tips for every growing setup, including containers, raised beds, and in-ground gardens, and why choosing the right fertilizer at the right time can make all the difference.

I share a trick for spotting hornworms at night, how often to feed tomatoes in pots vs. beds, the signs and treatment of tomato leaf diseases, and the most effective organic control methods (from copper sprays to simple sanitation practices). I also share how to manage disease outbreaks, when to prune, and why fall tomato harvests are totally worth the effort.

Whether you’re a first-time tomato grower or a seasoned gardener facing a tough summer, this episode is packed with easy, practical solutions to keep your plants producing. Let’s dig in!


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Full show notes available at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/summer-tomato-problems-ep-262


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Ever find yourself staring at a seed packet or a struggling tomato plant, wondering what it really needs to thrive? Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening digs into those questions, moving beyond folklore and guesswork. Host Karin Velez believes that understanding the science behind gardening-the "why" as much as the "how"-empowers you to become a more confident and successful grower. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, one who sifts through research and practical experience to offer clear, actionable advice. You’ll hear detailed discussions on everything from soil health and specific plant varieties to managing pests and planning your garden layout effectively. This podcast is designed for anyone with a patch of dirt or a few containers, whether you’ve been cultivating for decades or are just planting your first herb. Karin’s approach demystifies the process of growing your own food, making it accessible and deeply rewarding. The ultimate aim is simple but profound: to equip you with the reliable knowledge needed to harvest something delicious from your own space, season after season. Tune in for a grounded, thoughtful take on home gardening that celebrates both the triumphs and the learning moments inherent in getting your hands dirty.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 333

Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening
Podcast Episodes
Ep. 31 - Preserving the Harvest, Part Two [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:22
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Ep. 30 - Trellising and Pruning Tomatoes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Deciding what method to use to trellis your tomatoes and knowing how to prune them can be confusing! Let's demystify some of this a little bit, shall we? Let's figure out which trellis type you should use and how to trel…
Ep. 29 - Can You Dig It? Vol. 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Ep. 28 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Tomatoes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:17
This week we're totally talking tomatoes! Learn the basics of growing tomatoes, pests and diseases to watch out for, harvesting tips, storage methods, and ideas on how to preserve a bountiful harvest. Have you checked ou…
Ep. 27 - Preserving the Harvest, Part One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:02
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Ep. 26 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Water, Water Everywhere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:23
This Garden Talk Tuesday we talk a little bit about what happens in the garden when it just won’t stop raining and what to do when your soil is just too wet and the weather just won't dry up. Lots of folks are in a super…
Ep. 25 - FAO Food Price Index. Say what? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:12
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Ep. 24 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Aphids [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:22
Karin digs deep into one particular garden pest this week – aphids. We've already seen tons of posts on social media about aphids in the garden this season, cries for help in getting rid of them or help in identifying th…
Ep. 23 - Garden Updates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:29
Keeping it light on this Focal Point Friday. Karin chit-chats about what's going on in her gardens and would love to hear about yours! What's the weather like? What insect pressures are you facing? Are your weeds growing…