Any tips on what to give tomato plants that have bottom end rot?

Question

I have heard that lack of calcium can cause this, but i dont know what to put on them to add calcium.

Answer 1

The black spot on the bottom of the tomatoes is a condition called blossom-end rot. This is caused by inconsistent watering and/or a lack of calcium in the soil.

When plants are watered too shallow, the roots reach for the surface causing stress and poor nutrient intake. By the same token, when plants are given too much water, the roots are deprived of oxygen and cannot absorb specific nutrients that are not as concentrated as others. Calcium
is one of these nutrients.

Most soils in the US are very low in calcium. To counter this problem, you can add crushed eggshells to the soil or you can spray the plants with a solution of 1 tbs. of epsom salts per gallon of water. Although epsom salts are comprised primarily of magnesium, it has been proven that the plants will draw more calcium and other vital nutrients more efficiently when sprayed with epsom salts. I add one or two tablespoons into each planting hole in the spring, and I seldom experience problems with blossom-end rot on either my tomatoes or peppers.

Finally, if you're not getting at least 1.5" of rain per week, make sure you water the soil deeply once or twice per week. This will force the roots to grow deeper where lesser concentrated nutrients are more readily available. You should also mulch the plants heavily with dried grass
clippings or straw to help retain moisture.

The good news is that blossom-end rot normally disappears with higher production. It is not fatal to the plant, and only affects the first group of tomatoes in the early summer months

Answer 2

This is due to a Calcium deficiency in the soil. The best remedy is prevention, which means adding Calcium to the soil before you plant. This is best done with bone meal, in my opinion, but powdered limestone works almost as well. There is not much you can do about it this year, but I recommend pulling off all affected green tomatoes as soon as you see it starting so the plant can't waste any more energy on making rotted fruit. I have thought of trying to feed the plant with skim milk, but I have never tried it.

Answer 3

Water the plants on a regular basis, I use a piece of plastic pipe into the ground near the roots and add a L of water every 3 days, then liquid fish fertilizer every 3 waterings and that eliminates the standing water that allows the mosquitoes to grow. Chicken wire or hardware cloth should keep the rodents out of the garden. I use a raised bed not pots for mine. No help on the blight. I let the fertilizer stand a day before I plant anything just to be safe. The pipe is 1" and I use a funnel that holds about 1 qt. It seems to work OK. Rabbit stew?

Answer 4

Maybe you are being too kind to your tomatoes [seriously]. If the soil is constantly moist, a fungus will sometimes form on the stem and/or leaves. Water only when the soil starts to dry out and keep any mulch away from the stem of the plant. They like full sun. Hope this is some help.

Answer 5

Buy horticultural lime, which contains calcium, but apply according to the directions. Horticultural lime will go into the ground immediately. Or buy a tomato fertilizer which contains calcium and apply as directed. Make sure your watering is even, i.e. keep ground moist; don't let it dry out and then water it.

Answer 6

Your tomatoes have a lime deficiency. Go to your garden store and get some lime, and follow the directions. This is called "blossom end rot".

Answer 7

there is a spray u can use to stop blossom end rot, it is basically emulsified dolomite limestone. you can get it at the feed store

Answer 8

RoundUp

Answer 9

http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Tomato_BlossRt.htm