Treating Blossom End Rot

August 5th, 2011 BY slowbuddha | No Comments
tomato_blossom_end_rot

With large quantities of rain followed by a general lack of rain, many tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are likely to developed blossom end rot. This is a condition brought on by a calcium deviancy, not a disease or insect problem. This condition can hinder a plant’s growth, especially as we get closer to the end of the season.

These plants depend on water from calcium, and when the rain does not come on a regular basis, blossom end rot appears. The brown or black spot is where the fruit emerges from the blossom. Fruits that are affected cannot be helped. For still developing fruit, regular watering will help. To help the soil retain moisture, water deeply and mulch around the plants. Liming in another option, which will supply calcium and will increase the ratio of calcium ions to other competitive ions in the soil.

Another cause of end rot is too much nitrogen fertilizer. High nitrogen also encourages more leaf growth on vegetables, annuals, and perennials, frequently at the expense of produce and flowers. If you notice these symptoms on a plant, you can do your best to treat the issue, but in many cases the damage is done.