" Jeanne Stockdale" wrote
Following on from the previous thread about blossom end rot, we are now
finding that those that didn't have BER are splitting across the top. Any
ideas on the cause.

I know BER is reputed to be due to lack of or intermittent watering. I
also think the incredibly hot weather in July had an effect. In previous
years we have always grown our tomatoes in a smallish greenhouse - open
doors either end to create a throughflow of air. Although we still got
some BER on the first trusses, we never had any problems with later ones.
This year we grew them in a very large glasshouse and although all windows
and doors were open, there never seemed to be a cooling flow of air.
Despite being watered 3/4 times a day, the BER has been much worse than
usual.

Have decided to go back to using the smaller greenhouse next year -
convinced it will make a difference

BER is caused by insufficient Calcium take-up, which is caused by a lack of
water and/or very acid soil (our problem). Cure is to raise the pH of the
soil if necessary and be consistent with the watering.
Fruit splitting is because of uneven growth caused by inconsistent watering
(a theme here?) and/or wildly fluctuating temperatures e.g.. cold nights
after a sunny day.

We grow outside on the allotment and are also suffering a bit with both
problems this year but then our new allotment soil pH is 5.5 in places and
although I did something about it for the brassicas I forgot about the toms.
Won't happen next year. :-)

"Crystel" has proved an excellent large Tom with dark red flesh and little
"water" inside, wonderful for cooking and sauces and rather nice to eat too.
Once again "Ferline" has been good. They are the only Toms we grew this year
and probably will be next year unless I can get hold of some "Brigade"
seeds.

Regards
Bob H
17mls W. of London.UK