Gardening Tips: Watch Out for Common Tomato Problems
By Jessica Strickland, Wayne County Horticulture Extension Agent
As summer approaches, gardeners across Wayne County are eagerly anticipating that first juicy bite from a homegrown tomato. But before those tomatoes reach peak ripeness, some common growing issues could appear—especially with unpredictable rainfall and fluctuating temperatures.
Blossom-End Rot: What It Is and How to Spot It
One of the most frequent problems home gardeners encounter is blossom-end rot. This condition appears as a dark brown, leathery spot on the bottom (blossom end) of the tomato fruit. It often affects the first tomatoes to develop, but it can persist throughout the growing season.
Contrary to what many assume, blossom-end rot is not a disease, but a calcium deficiency in the tomato. The spot typically starts small—about the size of a dime—and can expand to the size of a half-dollar.
What Causes Calcium Deficiency?
Several factors can limit calcium uptake in tomato plants:
- Low soil pH: If the soil is too acidic, calcium becomes unavailable to plants.
- Inconsistent watering: Tomatoes need about 1 inch of water per week. Extreme shifts between dry and saturated soil conditions worsen blossom-end rot.
- Improper fertilization: Excess nitrogen and unbalanced fertilizer use can disrupt nutrient absorption.
✅ What Can Gardeners Do?
While existing blossom-end rot damage cannot be reversed, there are steps you can take to minimize further issues:
- Remove severely affected fruit to help the plant redirect energy to healthier tomatoes.
- Apply a calcium spray (e.g., Tomato Saver, Stop Rot) early—when green tomatoes are about the size of a silver dollar. Follow product label directions for best results.
- Get a soil test from the Wayne County Extension Office to check pH levels and determine if lime is needed to raise pH and improve calcium availability.
- Mulch around plants to stabilize soil moisture.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, especially with high-nitrogen products during fruit development.
Tomato Cracking and Splitting: Another Common Challenge
In addition to blossom-end rot, many gardeners also report issues with tomatoes that crack or split. These unsightly blemishes are usually caused by environmental stress rather than pests or disease.
Reasons for cracking include:
- Sudden changes in watering or temperature
- Rapid fruit growth following excess nitrogen fertilization
Unfortunately, there’s no way to “fix” cracking once it happens. But to reduce the risk:
- Stick to a consistent watering schedule
- Control irrigation even after heavy rains
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers once fruit begins to develop
Consistency is Key
While issues like blossom-end rot or fruit cracking may not be completely avoidable, following consistent care practices can greatly reduce their impact and help you enjoy a more bountiful tomato harvest.
⚠️ A Note About Agricultural Products
Brand names and product mentions in this article are provided for your convenience. Their inclusion does not imply endorsement by North Carolina Cooperative Extension nor discrimination against other suitable products. Always read and follow label directions and confirm current regulations before using any agricultural chemicals.
Need Gardening Help?
The Wayne County Extension Gardener Volunteer Plant Clinic is open:
- March–June
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays | 10 AM – 1 PM
Call: 919-731-1433
Email: Master.Gardener@waynegov.com
Visit: The Maxwell Center, 3114 B Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro
Stay Connected
- Sign up for gardening tips: wayne.ces.ncsu.edu/email-me
- Follow us on Facebook: @waynecooperativeextension
- Follow on Instagram: @waynecountyextension
- Explore the NC Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu
