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!


Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW at https://heirloomroses.com


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


Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


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. 21 - Can You Dig It? Vol. 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:19
A warm welcome to all our new listeners! This is our second monthly Can You Dig It? episode. Karin has a couple interesting garden news stories for you as well as answering some great gardening questions. Find out why th…
Ep. 20 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Cucumbers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:12
Let's dig deep into growing cucumbers! A summertime favorite, cucumbers come in a many shapes, sizes, and growth habits and can be grown in the ground, in raised beds, or in containers. This Garden Talk Tuesday episode w…
Ep. 17 - Ugly Produce and Food Waste: Fact or Fiction? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:37
Food issues are important and there are so many different topics to discuss, whether it’s food deserts or lack of access to nutrient dense foods or the distance our food travels to get to our plate. Today we tackle food…
Ep. 16 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Mistakes in the Garden [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:27
There is absolutely nothing wrong with making mistakes in the garden! Gardening is going to involve trial and error and that shouldn't discourage you from growing your own. In this episode, Karin shares a few types of mi…
Ep. 14 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Lettuce [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:19
This Garden Talk Tuesday we're digging deep into lettuce! Not all leafy greens are created equal and each has it's own particular set of preferred growing conditions. We'll talk about the types of lettuce, growth habits,…