Question
Hi Frank and Vicky,
I live in Illinois.Last year I lost all my tomatoes with blossom end rot.I planted in a completely different spot this year and it looks like we have it again. I'm so frustrated with this.Can you tell me what causes this and how it can be prevented?Thanks,
Jo

Answer
Blossom end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the developing fruit usually caused by lack of calcium uptake from the soil orby fluctuations in water availability and consistency and a low ratio of calcium to other nutrients like potassium and nitrogen. Using chemical fertilizers, and too much at one time can also cause blossom end rot.

Test your soil. Tomatoes prefer a pH around 6.5-6.8. A balanced soil will provide the best growing conditions, and organic nutrients will provide the best nutrients.

Mulching your soil is very important because tomatoes like to be consistently moist and cool roots.  Use alfalfa or straw, applied about three inches thick.  At the end of the growing season it can be worked into the soil, and then re-mulched for the winter.  In the spring you will have a lot of worms, which will fertilize your soil.

Gypsom and lime (if your soil is acid) are good sources of calcium. For more information on soil building, and where to get organic soil ammemdments, visit our website http://www.avant-gardening.com