What causes large black circles on my tomatoes in my garden.?

Question

the spots are like the tom's laid on the ground, but I noticed today that it is even on the above branches. It is only located on the bottom of the tomatoes.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

The problem is called Blossom-End Rot (BER) and is caused by a lack of calcium within the fruit. When calcium reaches low levels in the tomato, the fruit simply dies back at the bottom leaving the characteristic black or brown spot. Calcium is present in most soils in adequate amounts. The problem is that the plant cannot absorb enough calcium through its roots because of dry soil conditions. That's because calcium is taken up by the roots along with water. If, for some reason, water uptake is restricted, calcium uptake will stop.

What can you do about it? Have your soil tested to make sure you have enough calcium in the soil. If you don't, add either limestone (if the soil's acidity level or pH is below 6.0) or gypsum. If calcium levels are adequate, the most important control measure is to maintain optimum soil moisture. Whenever tomato plants are allowed to experience the slightest bit of water stress, you are causing BER. To maintain good soil moisture, try using a mulch of straw, leaves, or even grass clippings to prevent evaporation.

Tomatoes need about one inch of water per week as a minimum. If you do not get this through rainfall, you will need to apply the water As a rough estimate, each tomato plant needs approximately 3-5 gallons of water each week. If you use a mulch, this amount may be cut in half. When watering, don't lightly sprinkle the ground. Apply the water so it enters the ground and moves through the soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Shallow watering only encourages shallow rooting which leaves tomato plants more prone to wilting.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

I feel the response was very informative. It described the reason for my problem and made me understand the importance of different garden issues. My answer was told to me in terms that I could understand. And what exactly to do about it. I'd rather have alot of info. that too little.

Answer 2

insects my dear.

Answer 3

Bottom End Rot. You can look it up, and see what you can do to prevent it.

Answer 4

It sounds like Blight on your tomatos.Sometimes caused by warm weather,and controllable with Bravo.Check with your garden center.

Answer 5

Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency. Also fluctuation of moisture. I have used epsom salts scratched in the hole of the tomatoe plant. This helps with calcium. Never allow the soil to dry out. I have posted a link for you. It will give a better description.

Source(s):

http://gardenline.usask.ca/veg/blossom.h…

Answer 6

It's called blossom end rot. It is caused by either too little water or too much water. The irregularities with water cause the bottom to turn black. You can prevent this by levelling out your watering schedule. It's okay to eat the area around the black spots.

good luck