My Tomato Leaves Are Yellowing — Here's What I'm Trying (And What You Should Too)
My tomato leaves are yellowing and falling off in my hand. I'm a first-time gardener in Nashville and I'm figuring it out in real time — here's what's wrong and what I'm trying to fix it.
Three weeks in. Most everything looks fine. The tomatoes and I are having a disagreement.
I planted my first vegetable garden about a month ago. Everything was going great until it wasn't.
Two of my tomato plants started developing yellow leaves about a week in. I did what any reasonable person does — I ignored it for a few days hoping it would resolve itself. It did not. So this morning I went out to investigate, clipped the yellow leaves off, and about half of them just fell off in my hand before I even touched them. Which is either completely normal or deeply alarming. I genuinely don't know which.
Here's what I do know: I'm a first-time vegetable gardener in Nashville, it's May, and my tomatoes are struggling. So I did what I always do when I don't have the answer: I Dr. Googled. Here's what I found.
Why Tomato Leaves Turn Yellow: The Most Common Culprits
There are actually several reasons tomato leaves yellow, and not all of them are catastrophic. Here's what I'm working through:
1. Overwatering (or inconsistent watering) This is the one I suspect most because, well, it’s me watering them. Even when the soil feels dry on top, the roots can still be sitting in too much moisture underneath. Yellowing lower leaves that fall off easily (like mine did) is a classic sign of overwatering stress. I'm backing off the water and letting the soil dry out more completely between waterings.
2. Not enough sun My tomatoes get direct sun from about 10 AM to 2 PM, then shade the rest of the afternoon. That's technically enough (tomatoes need 6-8 hours), but in Nashville's heat, I'm wondering if the combination of intense midday sun followed by cool shade is creating stress on the plant. Something to watch.
Exhibit A. Those yellow leaves fell off in my hand this morning. We're figuring it out.
3. Pests — specifically spider mites I checked the undersides of the leaves this morning for spider mites — tiny bugs, webbing, or small spots. I didn't find anything obvious, but spider mites are small enough to miss, so I'm keeping an eye on it. If you're seeing yellowing plus tiny dots or a dusty look on the leaves, that's worth watching more closely.
4. Nutrient deficiency Yellow leaves can also signal that your plant needs more nitrogen or magnesium. If the yellowing is happening mostly on older, lower leaves, that's often a nutrient issue rather than a watering one. I'm considering adding a balanced tomato fertilizer this week to rule this out.
5. Natural leaf drop Apparently, some yellowing and leaf drop on the lower leaves is completely normal, especially as the plant grows and focuses energy upward. If it's only the bottom leaves and the rest of the plant looks healthy, it might just be the plant doing what plants do.
What I'm Actually Doing About It
Here's my plan, and what you might want to try if your tomatoes look like mine:
First, I clipped all the yellow leaves off today. “Clipped” is a loose term. More like, they effortlessly fell off in my hand as soon as I touched them. Either way, the yellow leaves are gone. This stops the plant from wasting energy trying to save leaves that are already gone.
Second, I'm adjusting my watering. Less frequent, deeper watering rather than a little every day. I want the roots to reach down for moisture, not stay shallow.
Third, I'm adding tomato fertilizer this week to rule out nutrient deficiency.
Fourth, I'm checking for pests every few days — undersides of leaves, any webbing, any unusual spots.
And fifth, I'm watching and waiting. Which is the part of gardening I'm horrible at.
The Honest Update
I don't have this figured out yet. That's the truth. I'm three weeks into my first vegetable garden and I'm troubleshooting in real time, just like you might be.
I'll be back in six weeks with a full update — what worked, what didn't, and whether these tomatoes actually made it to summer. Come back and find out with me.
In the meantime, my cucumbers are thriving, my herbs are doing exactly what they're supposed to, my beautiful cedar raised beds are saving my back, and somewhere in a very large pot, horseradish is establishing itself for the fall. So it's not all bad news out there.
he cucumbers are thriving and very smug about it.
Marigolds and lavender doing their job as pest control. At least someone is on task.
This is the horseradish. Won't be ready until fall. I'm already excited. That's a whole other story.
[STAY TUNED — Part 2 coming in six weeks]
What have you tried that’s worked for your yellow tomato plants? Drop me a comment below and give me any tips! I’m learning right alongside you.
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What It's Like to Compose for Netflix From the Inside
I compose the score for Leanne, Chuck Lorre's Netflix sitcom starring Leanne Morgan. Keb' Mo' called me to lead the team. Here's what it actually feels like from the inside.
I Compose the Score for Leanne on Netflix.
Here's What Season 2 Felt Like.
I'm Lauren Lucas. I sing the theme song for Leanne, Chuck Lorre's Netflix sitcom starring Leanne Morgan. I also compose the music for the show (and if I’m doing it right, you don’t even notice the music, you only feel it). I’m wrapping up the music for Season 2 this week.
Not a bad room to be in. Leanne Morgan and Keb' Mo' in L.A. at the Season 1 wrap party of Leanne on Netflix
Season 1 was already a full-circle moment. Keb' Mo' (one of my genuine musical heroes) was hired by Chuck Lorre to compose the music for the show. He called me to lead the team of musicians actually making it. I sing the main title theme. I compose the instrumental cues between scenes. Even though this was a new way of making music for me, it starting feeling like the reason I moved to Nashville 27 years ago.
Season 2 felt even better.
Here's what I've learned watching Keb' work: the man will walk into a session, play one bass note, pull out a single snare hit, and the entire piece transforms. Not because he's doing more. Because he knows exactly where the music needs to breathe. That's a lesson I will carry for the rest of my career.
By Season 2, our whole team had found that same language together. We understood what Chuck wanted. We understood each other. The deadlines were still real. The stakes were still high. But the work felt less like pressure. The experience felt like we found a purpose.
That doesn't happen often. I’m not taking it for granted.
Season 2 of Leanne launches late summer on Netflix. When you watch it, you'll hear what that kind of collaboration actually sounds like.
If you want to get closer to the songs — the ones that never made an album, the ones written in little rooms that nobody else ever saw — that's what The Inner Listening Room is for. One vault song a month, with the story behind it. Eight songs are already waiting inside.
More from the Blog
Lauren Lucas is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter and composer. She sings the main title theme and composes the score for Leanne, Seasons 1 and 2, on Netflix. She is a former Warner Bros. recording artist with a 27-year Nashville catalog.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Pancakes
These lemon blueberry pancakes are my favorite slow summer morning breakfast. Made with Kodiak Cakes, fresh lemon zest, and blueberries, cooked in ghee for crispy edges. Simple, protein-packed, and always a hit with the whole family.
Kodiak cake pancake batter with lemon zest and fresh blueberrie folded in
Most summer mornings at our house aren’t slow.
They start early. There are shoes to find. Lunchboxes to pack. Some days, it’s frozen waffles and a half-hearted banana.
But when the rhythm loosens — on the weekends, or when we’ve just decided we’re all tired — we pull out the pancake mix.
And not just any mix. Kodiak Cakes, milk + egg version, for extra protein.
Add a handful of fresh blueberries, a good dose of lemon zest, and suddenly… it feels like summer again.
Why These Pancakes Are on Repeat
They’re easy, for one.
The mix does most of the work — you just follow the box.
But it’s the lemon zest and fresh blueberries that make them feel a little special. Like, “hey, I tried” — even when I didn’t try that hard.
They’re also one of the only things my five-year-old, my husband, and I all agree on. We make them together. We eat them outside if the weather’s nice. We stack them high and drizzle just enough syrup to make it weekend-worthy.
And I have a secret weapon:
Ghee or clarified butter in the pan.
It gives the pancakes those crispy, golden edges that feel just a little elevated.
(Not necessary. But so worth it.)
There’s No Recipe — Just a Rhythm
If you need measurements, I’ll include a printable version below. But really, it’s:
Kodiak Cakes (milk + egg option)
A handful of blueberries (fresh, not frozen)
A little lemon zest (I use a microplane)
Cook in ghee for crispy edges
Serve warm with butter, syrup, or whatever feels like love that morning
Want the Printable Version?
I made a simple printable version you can save or stick on the fridge for slow mornings.
Click here to grab the printable.
(If it’s not live yet, check back in a few days — or follow along on Instagram @wildandrootedliving to get notified when it’s posted.)
Up Next in the Series…
This is the first post in my summer food series — the easy meals we’re actually eating these days.
Next up? Our go-to weeknight dinner: pesto pasta + Caprese salad.
It’s light, fresh, and done in 30 minutes — and yes, my five-year-old calls it “butterfly pasta.”
PIN IT FOR LATER
A soft summer morning. A stack of pancakes. A breakfast that buys you ten extra minutes around the table.
A delicious stack of lemon blueberry pancakes drizzled ini maple syrup
Simple Summer Front Porch Ideas
There’s a quiet kind of beauty at the end of summer — soft storms, slow mornings, and the way light starts to change. In this post, I’m sharing how I styled our front porch and garden beds to reflect that feeling: with a magnolia wreath, faux-and-real plant pairings, a cozy candle in the window, and a few simple touches that whisper “welcome” to the season ahead.
A Soft Goodbye to the Season.
Realistic magnolia leaf wreath
There’s a certain kind of goodbye that doesn’t announce itself.
It lingers—like the last golden hour, the steam from a coffee cup, or the way a summer storm rolls in slow and sweet.
That’s how our front yard feels right now.
We’re not to fall yet, but the light is starting to shift. The air has a different hum. And I’ve been leaning into that quiet in-between with a few simple touches outside our front door that feel rooted, relaxed, and ready for what’s next.
Here’s a peek at what’s setting the tone:
1. A Magnolia Leaf Wreath that Feels Like Home
Magnolias have always said “Southern welcome” to me. This season, I found a magnolia leaf wreath that looks rich and lifelike without being too bold. The leaves have just enough variation in tone to feel dimensional up close, and it holds up beautifully on hot days and through passing storms.
I love how it brings subtle movement and warmth to the front door — a gentle nod to what’s been blooming, and what’s still to come.
2. Faux Window Box Plants (That Don’t Look Faux)
My secret to great looking window boxes in the dead of summer
I used to swear off faux plants outdoors — but hear me out. When done well, they can be a game-changer for curb appeal, especially in those tricky spots where the hose won’t reach or the light’s inconsistent.
Here’s my formula for getting faux window boxes right:
Keep your distance: If they’re far from the road or sidewalk, you instantly get a little visual grace.
Mix your textures: Think beyond boxwood! I layer in different shades and varieties of faux green amongst the pink and white flowers. The thrillers, fillers, and spillers rule can also apply here, just like with real plants. Varying the heights and shapes keeps it lush.
Surround them with real greenery: Ground them (literally) with live plants in the beds below. My new limelight hydrangeas add real movement and seasonal charm nearby — the blend makes everything look intentional and full.
🌿 Shop my exact window box picks here →
3. The Layered Front Door Mat Look
Layered front door look
You know I love a layered moment. At the door, I kept things neutral — a large, natural woven base mat topped with a simple cream look with tassles. It adds texture without competing with the wreath or the soft green tones and color of the window boxes.
This combo is part of my Front Porch Edit →
Ranger Station Tennessee Tomato Leaf candle
4. That Tomato Leaf Candle in the Window
If summer had a scent? It might be my tomato leaf candle — bright, earthy, and unexpectedly nostalgic. I’ve been keeping it lit in the front window lately, just above the flower bed view. It makes even an afternoon rainstorm feel like a little ritual. I’m bummed I couldn’t find the Ranger Station brand I love (local to Nashville!), but you can find some of their products on Amazon. I did find a tomato candle in beautiful red glass that I’ve added to my favorites list…
See it in my Summer Home Scents list →
5. Summer Storms + Soft Light
Maybe my favorite part of this whole front yard refresh? The summer storm footage I caught the other day. The limelights bobbing in the wind. The wreath gently shifting on the door. The smell of rain, the sound of quiet.
You can feel the season stretching out… not quite done, not quite gone. It’s a mood. Check it out here.
PIN IT FOR LATER
A neutral summer porch with subtle Southern charm and soft-season transitions 🌿
Pin this summer front door look with stained glass windows and realistic magnolia leaf wreath!
Nesting Into Fall: A Meaningful Baby Gift That Grows With Them
As the days get cozier, I’ve been leaning into what I call nesting into fall—slowing down, softening up the house, and giving more intentionally. This simple baby gift idea has become one of our family’s favorites, and now it’s our go-to for welcoming new little ones. Thoughtful, timeless, and wrapped with heart.
Whimsical and classic gift wrap - perfect for a baby gift
There’s something about the early days of fall — the golden light, the quiet shift indoors — that makes me want to slow down and give more intentionally. I call it nesting into fall — cozying up the house, tending to small rituals, and leaning into thoughtful moments of care.
Recently, we wrapped a gift for friends who just had a baby, and it turned into one of my favorite “slow gifting” moments yet.
When our son was born, someone gave us a personalized bedtime storybook from I See Me! with his name woven into the story. At the time, it was sweet. Now that he’s five? It’s one of our most treasured books. He lights up every time he hears his name on the page, and it’s even helped him learn to recognize, read, and write it.
So when our friends welcomed their baby, we knew exactly what to send: their own ISee Me! book, personalized just for their little one.
This kind of gift becomes a ritual — something that’s not just opened once, but read over and over again.
Whether you're headed to a baby shower or dropping something on a doorstep, this is one of those gifts that truly grows with them.
How I Wrapped It
I love a gift that feels like part of the experience — not just what’s inside, but how it’s presented. For this one, I kept it simple and sweet, but added a few easy touches that make it feel extra special.
We wrapped it in alpaca-themed kraft paper — soft and whimsical — and tied it with a neutral silk ribbon with polka dots in a simple bow. The whole thing felt classic, cozy, and just right for this season of life.
Here’s how I wrapped the personalized See Me! book:
I used the alpaca-print kraft paper for a playful, neutral base.
I wrapped a soft cream colored silk ribbon with gold polka dots around the gift, folding it into a clean bow.
Then I trimmed the ribbon ends on a diagonal cut (this makes a huge difference!) to give it that polished, professionally wrapped look.
I even snapped a few action shots as I went — scroll down for a closer peek at the folding and trimming process!
It doesn’t take much to make a present feel extra loved — just a few intentional touches, folded with care.
Use soft, neutral ribbon that’s easy to tie.
Fold your ribbon in half length-wise, then cut on the diagonal to make the perfect, polished ends to your bow!
Viola! Perfectly cut ribbon ends.
Shop This Gift
Whether you're celebrating a new arrival or looking for a baby shower gift with heart, here’s everything I used (and loved) to create this cozy, personalized present:
Exact Gift Combo – Shop on Amazon
This includes the actual items we used — perfect if you want to recreate the look one-to-one:
The personalized ISee Me! storybook
Alpaca-print kraft wrapping paper
Neutral silk ribbon with polka dots
I See Me! Customizable Children’s Book
Whimsical and neutral gift wrapping for baby gift
Inspired Baby Gift Edit – Shop on LTK
Want to build your own version with a similar feel? I pulled together a fall-toned edit featuring:
Cozy-neutral gift wrap options
Soft, timeless baby gifts
Thoughtful extras for slow gifting
No matter which route you take, this gift is one that truly grows more meaningful with every bedtime read.
PIN IT FOR LATER
A heart-melting baby gift that grows more meaningful with every bedtime read.
Pin this adorable baby bedtime book for a gift idea!
A simple summer kitchen table setup that took ten minutes and made the whole room feel more like home. A wood tray, fresh blooms from the garden, a seasonal candle, and one good vase. That is really all it takes.