Garden Problem Solver

Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, nutrient deficiency (especially nitrogen or iron), root rot, or natural aging. Check soil moisture first. If the soil is consistently wet, reduce watering. If dry, increase it. Yellowing between leaf veins often signals iron deficiency.

Spray plants with a strong stream of water to knock off aphids. Introduce ladybugs or lacewings as natural predators. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray. Plant companion plants like marigolds, chives, or nasturtiums nearby to repel aphids.

White powder on leaves is typically powdery mildew, a fungal disease caused by poor air circulation, high humidity, and crowded planting. Improve airflow between plants, avoid overhead watering, and treat with neem oil or a baking soda spray.

Tomato leaf curl can be caused by environmental stress (heat, wind, drought), herbicide drift, viral diseases, or excessive pruning. Physiological leaf curl from heat is harmless. If leaves are also yellowing or showing mosaic patterns, it may be tomato yellow leaf curl virus.

Use row covers to physically block pests, practice crop rotation to break pest cycles, encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings, apply neem oil preventively, maintain healthy soil for strong plants, and remove diseased or infested plant material promptly.