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Williamsburg,KY

Is there anything I can do now to stop the blossom end rot on my maters? This fall I will add some lime and perhaps next year will be better, but whatabout now.

I understand that watering is crutial but not able to water, Hope some one can give some advise. Croley Bend

8/7/2006 8:47:02 AM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

We spray calcium when they are starting to blossom. This normally eleviates the problem. Although this year on new soil some of our Roma's have this.

8/7/2006 8:56:57 AM

Garden State Pumpkins

The two major factors for blossom end rot are water deficency and lack of calcium..got to water em...while you doing that foliar feed some calcium.

8/7/2006 9:14:32 AM

West By God Virginia

Uneven watering in general can cause BER. Some folks like to hold off on water as they ripen to concentrate sugars. It's a fine line though. You can hold off for a bit then you get a down pour and they split. LOL Opinions vary, but keeping the soil just slightly moist is a good practice. Mulching with straw will help hold in the moisture as well.

8/7/2006 12:53:03 PM

If can't water you at mercy of the weather and are out luck ttill plants grow out it the phase.

8/8/2006 4:20:43 AM

Williamsburg,KY

THanks everyone for your input. So how do I find calcium to foliar spray?? Can I buy it locally at the hardware or feed store. We live in a rural part of KY and not too many choices...Any help.

8/8/2006 9:47:07 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Rural KY....I'd grab the phone book & look for "Agriculture Chemicals" "Fertilizer" or "Farm Supplies" in the yellow pages. There must be someone good nearby.

8/8/2006 1:13:45 PM

Danville, CA (petman2@yahoo.com)

Pumpkinsupply has it as well, but in a large size. Almost any reasonable nursery will have it. The nursery will have it in the small quart (or smaller) size specifically for blossom end rot on tomatoes. Ask for a spray for blossom end rot, if you ask for calcium they will look at you blankly.

8/8/2006 5:25:14 PM

Owensboro, Ky.

Croley Bend, where is Williamsburg...I live in Owensboro...I bought a big jug of cal last year...maybe we can work something out...send an email if interested...I am willing to pack and send if ya want...Peace, Wayne

8/8/2006 9:53:28 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Try any place that sells food plot supplies for wild game. They sell it here for $10.99 a gallon. Which is very reasonable.

8/8/2006 10:10:02 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Boy, you all are a great help. I havent called any feed stores yet. We have two farm supply stores close by. The biggest town is about 70 miles away. I just got a $25 coupon from Gardens Alive and will order something fromthem as well as a soil test for next year and Im sure some lime. Again thanks so much for everyones input. Ive been part of Big Pumpkins for a year or so and have always had a great response. When I started growing pumpkins, this site really helped. Not growing any this year, but do have some dandy watermelons. Croley bend

8/9/2006 8:40:39 PM

New Brunswick

Hi Croley...I had the same problem as you and found out that epsom salts can help. First of all, when you dig your hole to set your tomato plant in, add a tbsp. of epsom salts to the soil, mix it in and then set in your tomato. Then if you start to see the end rot problem, mix 1 tbsp. of epsom salts to 1 gallon of water and apply to foliage as a drench...just spray it on and also put about 3 inches of straw as a mulch around the plant. I used hay as that is what I have. Before adding the hay, crush a few tums and mix into soil around the plant as well. I have not used the tums but according to the article I just read, it will work. It also says to never water at night...but how to stop mother nature from doing that...oh well...anyway try the epsom salts...it should work. Good luck, Sue

8/10/2006 11:26:14 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Thanks Sue, my maters are really comming in now. I not gonna do much to the plants now but I am keeping all this great info and help for next year. I probably have about a bushel to can today. Again thanks everyone.

8/19/2006 7:53:54 AM

Montoursville, PA

The best BER prevent is two fold any place in any soil. Use Crab Meal with an average NPK 5-2-5. Mulch for even moisture and reduction of pathegon bounce up from the soil.
This virtually eliminates BER in tomatoes and peppers. It contains over thirty trace elements and vitamins.

Just, for good luck, 20lbs. goes into my 1000 sq,ft. pumpkin patch. I grow tomatoes and peppers on the edges of the patch. I have never had BER when using Crab Meal.

11/28/2006 8:15:59 PM