Rats! It happens every year. The first few tomatoes look great on top but have a big black bottom. They call it blossom end rot. It’s like the tomato plants need a little practice to get it right.
One cause of blossom end rot is a lack of calcium. Calcium is taken up into the plant through the roots, however, it settles in one part of the plant. This means that the rot can occur even when there is an ample supply of calcium in the soil, stems or leaves. Actively growing parts of the plant require continuous supply of calcium to prevent these spots from developing.
Gardeners that know their stuff also say that blossom end rot can be reduced with a little more water. Healthy tomato plants require 1 to 1 ½ inches of water a week. So, when we don’t get rain, the plants need more water.
Nancy’s garden is all planted in raised beds. That means her vegetables come early, but she usually has more tomatoes with the black bottoms than do I. Mine is a traditional, in-ground garden. The planted in soil gardens retain water better than above ground beds.
Still, it’s disappointing to find any blemishes.
Though the tomato has end rot, the rest of the tomato is fine. Just cut out the black stuff. To encourage more healthy growth, though, experts say to pick the blemished tomatoes as soon as you see the spots.
So, there you have it. I think.