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.comFull show notes available at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/summer-tomato-problems-ep-262
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How to Tackle Mid-Summer Fungal Diseases - Ep. 261
Have you noticed a white, powdery coating on your cucumbers or yellow-spotted leaves on your tomatoes? Mid-summer fungal diseases like powdery mildew, blight, and leaf spots can devastate your garden if left unchecked.Today on Just Grow Something, I break down commonsummer fungal diseases and why they appear in wet, humid conditions, organic treatment methods, including milk sprays and baking soda, store-bought organic fungicides like copper and sulfur sprays, prevention strategies, and how to rotate treatments to prevent fungal resistance.Whether you’re dealing with relentless rain or high humidity, this episode arms you with practical, organic solutions to protect your garden and maximize harvests. Let’s dig in!Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW at https://heirloomroses.comFind full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/how-to-tackle-mid-summer-fungal-diseases-ep- 261
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Is Homegrown Produce More Nutritious? How Your Soil Makes the Difference - Ep. 260
In this eye-opening episode, I unpack the shocking truth about nutrient loss in modern fruits and vegetables. A 2023 review found that today’s produce contains significantly fewer vitamins and minerals than in decades past. Some nutrients have dropped by up to 80% since the 1950s!We explore how industrial agriculture, depleted soils, and synthetic fertilizers have impacted our food and, more importantly, how we as home gardeners can grow more nutrient-rich produce by focusing on soil health. Soil nerds, unite!I talk about the essential role of soil microbes and organic matter in our soil in creating nutritious food (and how synthetic fertilizers can’t compete), how composting, mulching, and no-till gardening can restore soil health, and give you actionable tips for increasing nutrient density in your own garden. If you care about what goes into your food and on your family’s plate, this is a must-listen. Let’s dig in!Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comReferenced episodes:Ep. 18 - Garden Talk Tuesday: Plant Nutrients and Why You Need to Know ThemFocal Point Friday: Plant Nutrient BasicsCompost EpisodesFind the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/is-homegrown-produce-more-nutritious-how-your-soil-makes-the-difference-ep-260
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How to Extend Your Gardening Season with Successful Fall Crops - Ep. 259
This week I share how to take your fall garden from conceptto cultivation. Learn when to plant, what to grow, and how to extend your harvest well into winter. Discover why fall gardening is more than just practical - it's backed by science and perfect for nutrient-dense, flavorful produce with fewer pests!What You’ll Learn:The science behind why fall gardens are nutritionally and logistically smartBest timing strategies based on frost dates and daylight reductionFall-friendly crops and succession planting strategiesTips for season extension using row covers and container gardeningHow to improve soil health and prep beds for fall successLet’s dig in!Save20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roses with code JUSTGROW at https://heirloomroses.comReady to plan your fall garden? Join the free Fall GardenChallenge now: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/fallResources:Fall Garden Seed Starting Secrets - Ep. 257: https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episode/fall-garden-seed-starting-secrets-ep-257Find your frost dates: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/frostdatesFind the full show notes at https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/how-to-extend-your-gardening-season-with-successful-fall-crops-ep- 259
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5 Quick Crops to Fill Summer Garden Gaps - Ep. 258
This week we dig into the strategy of mid-to-late summersuccession planting—how to make the most of garden space left vacant by spring crop failures or early harvests. I share five heat-loving, fast-maturing crops you can direct sow now to squeeze in one last summer harvest before fall. Learn how to keep your beds productive, beat pest cycles, and maximize soil health, all without needing indoor seed starts.What You’ll Learn:Why filling summer garden gaps mattersKey traits of good late-summer cropsMy top five heat-loving, fast-growing picksLet’s dig in!Save 20% on your new own-root rose plant at Heirloom Roseswith code JUSTGROW https://heirloomroses.comFor full show notes visit https://justgrowsomethingpodcast.com/episodes/5-quick-crops-to-fill-summer-garden-gaps-ep-258
Sobre Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening
Grow a better vegetable garden, whether you're a seasoned gardener or have never grown a thing in your life. Karin helps home gardeners learn to grow their own food using evidence-based techniques and research. She talks all about specific plants, pests, diseases, soil and plant health, mulch, garden planning, and more. It's not just the "how" but also the "why" that makes us better. The goal? For everyone to know how to grow their own food no matter what sized space they have or their experience level.
Tune in each week to plan, learn, and grow with your friend in the garden, Karin Velez.
Ouve Just Grow Something | Evidence-Based Home Gardening, Digital Foundry Direct Weekly e muitos outros podcasts de todo o mundo com a aplicação radio.pt
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