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
Pest Patrol: Mosquitoes and Ticks in the Garden - Ep. 253 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:21
Summer gardening should be about sunshine and fresh veggies, not swatting and scratching. So, this week on Just Grow Something we dig into the science and strategy behind controlling two of the most irritating garden pes…
Can Gardening Actually Save You Money? - Ep. 251 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:12
There’s a persistent myth floating around on social media that gardening is too expensive to be worth the effort when it comes to saving money on groceries. But what if I told you that with the right strategies, your bac…
How to Grow Tomatoes - Ep 248 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:39
It’s been a while since we’ve done a full crop specific episode and I think this is the perfect time of year to talk tomatoes. We are getting about 500 tomato plants in the ground over the next week so they are on my min…
Companion Planting Myths and Tips - Ep. 246 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:58
If you’ve been gardening for any amount of time, you’ve likely come across companion planting charts—maybe you’ve seen advice like “plant basil with tomatoes” or “marigolds repel all pests.” But how much of this is actua…
Be Prepared for Garden Pests – Ep. 245 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:30
Today, we’re diving into a topic that sneaks up on every gardener at some point—pests. Whether they’re crawling, flying, or trotting in on four legs, pests can quickly turn a thriving garden into a frustrated gardener’s…