Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes

Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium imbalance in the tomato plant; it usually happens when the growing season starts out wet and then becomes dry.

Steps

 * 1) In cold climates, wait for the soil to warm before planting. This will help with nutrient uptake, so that there is less of a chance of calcium deficiency.[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 1.jpg|center]]
 * 2) Keep the moisture level in the soil consistent throughout the growing season.
 * 3) *When the weather is dry, water more frequently to moisten the soil to a depth of at least 6 in.[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 2Bullet1.jpg|center]]
 * 4) *Use watering cones if necessary to help get water down into the root zone. You can also work the soil from time to time around the root zone insuring proper water retention and drainage, and apply compost mixed with egg shells that have been microwaved for 3 minutes and mashed up into a powder, then water in with a tablespoon of epsom salts to 2 USgal of water. ( this is very helpful, especially when done when the yellow flower begins to form of the fruit. )[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 2Bullet2.jpg|center]]
 * 5) *Use mulch to prevent the moisture in the soil from evaporating.[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 2Bullet3.jpg|center]]
 * 6) Maintain soil pH at or near 6.5. Also check the NPK number of your soil, which is a simple kit you can purchase at garden stores.[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 3.jpg|center]]
 * 7) Remove fruit when signs of blossom end rot appear. The process usually becomes visible when the plant is half size. The blossom end rot looks like a brown spot that turns leathery. Remove these tomatoes from the plant so it can focus its energy on remaining tomatoes that do not have blossom end rot.[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 4.jpg|center]]
 * 8) Experiment with different tomato varieties. Some are more susceptible to blossom end rot than others.[[Image:Prevent Blossom End Rot in Tomatoes Step 5.jpg|center]]

Related wikiHows

 * Keep Tomatoes from Splitting
 * Extend the Growing Season of Tomatoes
 * Ripen Harvested Green Tomatoes
 * Make Tripods for Climbing Beans and Tomatoes

Sources and Citations

 * http://www.gardeners.com/Blossom-End-Rot/5354,default,pg.html - Source of the recommendations provided in the original version of this article.