Tomato Troubles! Common Tomato Problems, Pests & Diseases Explained | Along the Rock

What makes a tomato safe to eat—and when should you throw it away?

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long is joined by Bruce J. Black of Illinois Extension to explore common tomato troubles every gardener is likely to encounter. From fungal diseases like anthracnose, early blight, late blight, and powdery mildew to harmless physiological disorders such as catfacing and fruit cracking, Bruce explains how to recognize the difference and what each issue means for your harvest.

The conversation also covers:

🍅 The best time to harvest tomatoes for peak flavor
🌱 Why heirloom tomatoes often look imperfect but taste incredible
🐛 How to identify and manage tomato hornworms
🌿 Tips for preventing disease and keeping tomato plants healthy
🥗 Which damaged tomatoes are still safe to eat

Bruce also shares information about the upcoming Farmer Mental Health First Aid workshop, a free community program designed to help participants recognize signs of mental health challenges and connect people with valuable local resources.

Whether you're growing your first tomato plant or you've been gardening for years, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you enjoy a healthier, more productive garden.

👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online

🎤 Highlights:

00:00 Welcome to Along the Rock

00:40 Tomato Troubles

02:22 How to Pick the Perfect Tomato

03:25 The Best Time to Harvest Tomatoes

05:23 Anthracnose

08:00 Bruised Tomatoes: Are They Safe to Eat?

09:15 Tomato Hornworms

11:33 Powdery Mildew

13:36 Catfacing on Tomatoes

17:38 Early Blight

20:41 Late Blight

23:19 How to Stop Tomato Diseases From Spreading

25:54 Why Tomatoes Crack

27:27 Exploring Different Tomato Varieties

30:49 There Are Thousands of Tomato Varieties

32:21 Tomato Troubles vs. Tomato Triumphs

32:54 Farmer Mental Health First Aid

35:39 Workshop Registration Information

36:14 Closing

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