Blossom end rot is one of those things that most people probably don’t know exists. If you view it now, you’ll probably know what it is. That pesky problem seems to sneak up on your tomato plants when you least expect it, even as an experienced homesteader.
Let’s get real about blossom end rot
What is it? Well, it manifests as a dark, water-soaked spot at the blossom end of the tomato, opposite the stem. It’s one of those things that, when you see it, will make you feel incredibly sad. You know something is wrong with your tomatoes, but you probably have no idea what’s going on.
What causes blossom end rot?
The usual cause is a lack of calcium in your soil. Yes, the soil used to grow tomatoes needs calcium, just like your bones do. Calcium is something that a wide variety of plants need, and tomatoes are just one of them. So, the next time you see a calcium supplement at the store, think about how tomatoes need it as much as you do.
What you can do to prevent blossom end rot?
You can do several things to prevent blossom end rot, and none are very time-consuming. The first thing you can do is make sure that you’re watering your tomatoes properly. Overwatering them will make it difficult for your tomato plants to absorb calcium. Also, too much water will lead to root rot, which is never a good thing.
You also don’t want to overfertilize. The goal here is to give your plants just enough food but not too much. You ensure that you’re not giving them too much fertilizer by testing the soil.
Calcium sprays can be a short-term solution but don’t rely on them. Apply the spray to the leaves and allow it to work its magic. Think of this as one of the last resorts you can do. It’s not exactly the best option, but sometimes it’s your only option.
The last thing you want to do is remove any infected tomatoes. Just get rid of them and move on. There’s no need to allow a sick tomato to dangle on your plant. This isn’t a time to be lazy; one sick tomato can lead to even more significant problems. Homesteading 101.
Be proactive and take charge to prevent your tomato plants from going to waste
No one ever said blossom end rot is a good thing. Most of you reading this will now agree that it can devastate your tomato harvest. Tomatoes aren’t just delicious; they provide essential nutrients for people worldwide.
The next time you see what you think is blossom end rot, do yourself a favor and take it seriously. You’ll likely have healthy, great-tasting tomatoes if you nip it in the bud. It takes a little effort, but not doing so will cause more problems than you can imagine.
The biggest takeaway is don’t overwater your plants and ensure they get enough calcium. If you do those two things, you’re well on your way to preventing this from happening in the first place.
