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market-farming - Re: calcium to my 'maters

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  • From: Dcimmarr AT aol.com
  • To: market-farming AT franklin.oit.unc.edu
  • Subject: Re: calcium to my 'maters
  • Date: Wed, 14 Aug 2002 22:50:12 EDT

Dave,
Sounds like blossom end rot. This is a condition that could have several causes but is most often caused by alternating periods of high and low soil moisture. Uneven watering, as well as rapid plant growth.
     First try to keep the soil with a constant moisture. If you doni mulch, try it. Mulching helps conserve soil moisture during drier times. The best way to water tomatoes is with drip or trickle irrigation. Soaker hoses also work well.
     The next step I would recommend would be to add some gypsum to the soil. If you don't like that, you can try eggshells. These are usually added at planting time in the bottom of the hole before placing the plant in. Since tomato season is well under way, you can try this: Rinse  your eggshells and dry them in the microwave. Crush them to a powder like material and add them to water and let them soak. This has about the same effect as adding the shells early on in the season.
     I think if you correct the watering situation, the blossom end rot will be less of a problem. You might want to consider growing a different variety next time as some varieties are more susceptible to this disorder than others. IM curious as to what variety you are growing. Good luck.
Denise Cimmarrusti



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