Sax Maam wrote:

Hello (Newsgroup, Betzi, Judy ...)

I planted two tomato plants in 5 gallon buckets this year. Soil is
finished compost with some sandy dirt from the yard. The plants were
one "yellow jelly" and one "early cascade."

Both plants are looking great and are covered with tomatos. I've eaten
a few yellow jelly's, and I see that a couple of the early cascades are
beginning to turn color.

But this morning I noticed blossom end rot on some of the fruit. It's
been hot in Albuquerque lately (record breaking temps in high 90's).
I've been watering heavily each morning but not later in the day.

So I'm wondering what I've done wrong. Should I water twice a day? Am
I watering too much? It does seem that the plant is using the amount
that I'm giving it. Any other ideas?


Blossom end rot is actually a calcium deficiency caused by improper
watering. Without constant moisture, the roots can't absorb enough
calcium from the soil and during the fruiting stage, this causes the rot.

I would recommend consistent light waterings over a single heavy one. I
also grow tomatoes in containers and I ensure the soil is always moist
to the touch (not soaking, not crusty dry). If the soil breaks away from
the sides or looks dry, then watering is not consistent enough. You
might consider adding some potting soil or peat to your pots next year.
It helps retain water very well. Also, don't reuse the same soil next year.

The good news...you can still eat the tomato. Just cut off the affected
portion.

..

Zone 5a in Canada's Far East