Sunday, July 25, 2010

Blossom End Rot

Is this a total bummer or what? This poor San Marzano tomato has blossom-end rot, which is caused by calcium deficiency that in my case was caused by drought stress. I was gone for a few days and stupidly believed the weather report which predicted a few days of showers. That was the beginning of our long dry spell and those few days of dry heat really messed with my tomatoes. I've pulled off numerous affected fruit, have been monitoring the moisture, and things seem to be looking good for the four afflicted tomato plants. My silver lining is that at least it's not late blight.

Here's a funny side note: the tomato plants that I cared least for and planted down by the barn where they get no extra water but what the skies drop on them are doing great. Huge, green, towering plants with massive fruit. They actually have the same exact soil as the other tomatoes, so I know it's not the soil that is deficient in calcium. You know why these tomatoes are doing so well? They get a constant supply of chicken manure. It's amazing. The tomato plant that is next to the manure compost pile? It is at least a foot taller than its neighboring plants. Just another reason why you should have chickens.

8 comments:

  1. Of course the regular watering is crucial, but apparently poking a couple of Tums in around the roots also superloads the calcium available to them.

    Good luck with the rest of the crop. I hate blossom end rot and have been very worried about watering min enough.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sarah - Tums is a brilliant idea. I had crushed egg shells sprinkled around mine, but I'm pretty sure I'm out of danger. I hope.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just pulled a couple green tomatoes off my plants today that had blossom end rot. I'm pretty sure mine is probably a calcium problem since I have such poor soil. I'll have to use that Tums idea!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am amazed by what you are learning about growing.
    You are doing great.

    Mamou

    ReplyDelete
  5. So sorry Julia! You'll really enjoy those ones by the barn, eh?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kaytee- What a good idea, huh? Good luck with your tomatoes. I just looked in my compost and saw wayy too many tomatoes I had to toss.

    Mamou - I was taught by the best, you know.

    Annette - I will! But the San Marzano's were my canning tomatoes! Wail! I think I'll be okay. I think. Sniff.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That's been happening to my Roma tomatoes. Glad to know what it is and how to fix it. Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Cathy - I've never gotten it before! Good luck with yours!

    ReplyDelete