Blossom end rot is an issue that effects tomato, pepper, eggplant, pumpkin, squash, and watermelon plants. It’s caused by a calcium deficiency that appears at the bottom of the plant. A plant’s ability to absorb calcium is affected by wide swings in moisture. Plants should receive an inch of rain a week. Use 2-3 inches of mulch to conserve moisture. Amend your soil in the spring with plenty of organic material. This replaces calcium and other micronutrients that have leached out of the soil. Finally, don’t set plants out too early. Wait until night time temperature stays above 55 degrees. Cold stunts the plants and makes them more likely to develop blossom end rot.
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