Why Are My Tomatoes Turning Black? A Gardener’s Guide to Common Issues

Tomato Trouble: Why Are My Tomatoes Turning Black?

It’s mid-August here in the Midwest, and my tomato plants are usually bursting with ripe fruit. But this year, I’ve had a few puzzled emails and comments from fellow gardeners asking, “Why are my tomatoes turning black?” It’s a frustrating sight when you’ve nurtured those plants from tiny seedlings, only to see the fruit developing … Read more

My Dog Found a ‘Diseased’ Sweetcorn: What’s Eating My Garden?

Dog Found Diseased Sweetcorn: Identifying & Treating Powdery Mildew

It was a crisp morning on August 6th, 2025, and I stepped out into my garden, coffee in hand, ready for my usual dose of nature. My golden retriever, Buster, trotted alongside me, tail wagging. Suddenly, he stopped, head tilted, and then nudged something towards me with his nose. A gift! Except, this gift was… … Read more