Brown Spots on Peppers, Blossom End Rot on Tomatoes? Fungus and Calcium Fixes

First raised bed (4×8 ft, topsoil + Black Kow), peppers showing brown spots, tomatoes with blossom end rot. Both point to fungal issues and calcium uptake problems—not calcium deficiency in soil.

Pepper Spots: Likely Fungal

Brown spots on leaves/fruit = bacterial spot, anthracnose, or sunscald. Immediate steps:

• Stake/cage peppers—keep fruit off soil
• Copper fungicide spray (Soap Shield) every 7–10 days
• Remove affected leaves/fruit, destroy (don't compost)
• Mulch to prevent soil splash

Blossom End Rot: Water, Not Calcium

Black bottoms on tomatoes = calcium transport failure from inconsistent water. Calcium sprays don't fix it. Instead:

• Deep, consistent watering (1.5 inches weekly)
• Mulch 2–3 inches straw/shredded leaves
• Lime only if soil test shows low pH (<6.0)
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers

Local Expertise Matters

Visit a local greenhouse/nursery. They know regional diseases and stock appropriate treatments. Bring photos or samples.

Raised beds drain fast—monitor moisture daily in heat. Consistency prevents both problems.