help with container tomatoes, seem to have that blossom end rot!
19 years ago
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- 19 years ago
- 19 years ago
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tomato blossom end rot...
Comments (4)Some kinds are more likely to get BER than others. Reasons for things to go wrong with your system: - The system may not be running long enough and/or often enough. - Even if the system is fine as to amount & frequency, a hot and/or windy and/or very low humidity can use up all the available moisture Temporary shade may be needed at that time or perhaps run a 2nd cycle the same day....See MoreBlossom End Rot, Brown Leaves, Green Tomatoes
Comments (1)Although BER is a sign of calcium deficiency, it is often not a soil problem, but a watering problem. The plant does not get sustained calcium because of irregular watering. BER is also more common early in the season and is more common in pots because they may go through a wet-dry cycle. Plants in containers are usually fertilized with a liquid fertilizer The eggshells will take a long time to break down and release calcium. Yes, 3 plants in an 18 inch pot is a bit crowded. Tomatoes can grow roots from the stems. That is why they should be planted deep with about 1/3 of the stem going below the ground when you first plant them. It helps them develop a healthy root system. Don't put on too much nitrogen fertilizer or you'll get lots of leaves and not many tomatoes. When the plant sets fruit it is normal for the lower leaves to die off as the fruit ripens. Blossom end rot...See MoreBlossom end rot on un-ripe stupice tomato
Comments (1)There are various theories why BER occurs, lack of calcium being the primary factor (often combined with excessive N). But inconsistent watering practices seem to play an equal role. BER often occurs when damper early season weather begins to dry out just as the fruit is beginning to set but can be just as frequent when the plants are allowed to dry too much in between waterings. I am not a big proponent of self watering containers and I am not familiar with your Garden Patch grow boxes to comment but I would do what I could to ensure the plants in them receive consistent, even moisture. Bonide makes a calcium supplement for tomatoes called 'Rot-Stop' that is watered into the soil. I've never had to use it myself but it seems to be quite effective and is a popular item at my nursery....See MoreBlossom end rot and tomatoes
Comments (6)First and foremost, BER is a result of uneven moisture availability. This can occur because of actual surges and dry spells of rain or irrigation, excessive growth due to improper fertilization, or damage/constriction of the roots. Very rarely is true calcium deficiency the trigger, at least not in a garden that is properly fertilized. Veggie gardens require a steady supply of dissolved nutritional elements.......the plants take a lot from the soil in order to create the fruits and vegetables that we eat. Those elements must be replaced. Tomatoes are just one of the crops that have high calcium requirements. All of the assorted greens that I grow, for example are packed full of Ca for me....it must be replaced to the soil before the next crop. Here's a great fact sheet that explains BER. It really explains the disorder....See MoreRelated Professionals
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