How to prevent blossom-end rot

Blossom-end rot causes brown, leathery patches to appear on the bottoms of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and melons. It occurs when fluctuations in water levels prevent fruit-bearing plants from getting enough calcium from the soil.

To prevent blossom-end rot, make sure to water your garden at regular intervals and maintain calcium levels in the soil. Adding a layer of mulch around plants can help regulate soil moisture. Avoid over fertilizing, especially with fertilizers high in nitrogen, which can cause calcium deficiencies.

You should also keep the soil pH around 6.5. If the pH is too low, adding lime will reduce the soil acidity and increase the amount of calcium present. Mixing gypsum or oyster shells into the soil also provides more calcium to plant roots.

If you spot blossom-end rot, remove the affected fruit immediately. You may be able to save the rest of the crop by putting calcium carbonate pellets or powder in the soil around the plant. Talk to an expert at your local nursery to learn more about preventing and treating blossom-end rot.