Onjona Khan

Hi Josh! You're definitely not alone — tomato leaves can be very expressive when something's off. Let’s break it down:

🟢 1. Leaf Curl / Distortion
If the leaves are twisting, curling, or looking misshapen, common causes include:

Environmental stress: heat, wind, or inconsistent watering

Over-fertilization: especially high-nitrogen feeds

Herbicide drift: even a small amount from nearby can affect tomatoes
In most cases, if it’s just a few affected leaves, you can pinch them off, especially if they’re older, lower leaves. This can help airflow too.

🟣 2. Purple Leaves on Seedlings
Purple coloring on tomato seedlings is usually a sign of phosphorus deficiency. This often happens when:

Soil is too cold (phosphorus becomes less available)

You're using a soilless mix without added nutrients

The seedlings are underfed

✅ Try moving the seedlings to a warmer spot and giving a balanced liquid feed (like a diluted tomato fertilizer or a complete organic mix). Once they go into the ground and warm up, the color usually normalizes.

If you have pics, I’d be happy to take a closer look — it’s much easier to diagnose visually.

Hope that helps, and good luck with your tomatoes! 🍅

— [Your Name or Username]
(NightshadeFamily.com – We grow and troubleshoot nightshades all day!)

Josh Dagle wrote:What is wrong with these tomato leafs? Should I pinch them off? Also I have some seedlings that have purple leafs, why is that?

Lots of great suggestions here — especially the emphasis on soil building and seed saving. One thing I’ve noticed is that nightshade vegetables (like tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes) can be incredibly cost-effective for small-scale growers when managed properly. They’re high-yielding and store well, making them a smart option for anyone trying to stretch a food budget.

We’ve put together a series of tips on growing and rotating nightshades affordably at www.nightshadefamily.com — focused on low-cost inputs, companion planting, and long-term soil health. Happy to share more if it’s helpful!

Hi everyone! 👋
If you're new to gardening and curious about growing eggplants, you're in for a treat — they're productive, beautiful, and great for small-space gardens too.

Here’s a quick guide I put together from my experience growing nightshades:

✅ 1. Choose a Sunny Spot:
Eggplants thrive in full sun — think 6–8 hours minimum.

✅ 2. Prep Rich, Well-Draining Soil:
They love compost-rich, slightly acidic soil. Raised beds work great.

✅ 3. Water Deep, Not Daily:
Instead of shallow daily watering, go deep once or twice a week. This builds root strength.

✅ 4. Watch for Flea Beetles:
These tiny pests love eggplant leaves. Row covers and neem oil can help!

✅ 5. Harvest When Skin is Glossy:
Don’t wait too long — once they lose their shine, they get bitter and seedy.

well written

Hey fellow gardeners! 👋

I’ve been diving deep into the world of nightshade vegetables—tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes. There’s so much conflicting information out there! Some say they’re nutritional powerhouses, while others believe they might contribute to inflammation. 🤔

I’d love to hear your thoughts!

✔ Do you grow nightshades in your garden?
✔ Have you noticed any benefits (or downsides) from eating them regularly?
✔ What are your best tips for growing thriving nightshade crops organically?

I recently wrote an article about the myths and truths behind nightshade vegetables, covering everything from nutritional benefits to organic growing techniques. If you’re curious, check it out here: 👉 www.nightshadefamily.com

Let’s swap knowledge and experiences! What’s your take on nightshades? 🍆🌶️🥔

#NightshadeVegetables #OrganicGardening #Permaculture #SustainableFarming #GardeningTips