Why do tomatoes rot on the vine? Rot often indicates a nutrient deficiency, which is manifested by 5 typical, easily recognizable symptoms. When watering and fertilizing, gardeners can take certain care measures to compensate for the deficiency.
The tomato plants have developed splendidly, are growing excellently, producing numerous flowers and then – fruits. But then the bad surprise – the tomatoes get black spots. But why do tomatoes actually rot on the vine? We list 4 early symptoms of brown rot and explain how you can still save the plants.
Unlike other diseases, brown rot is not caused by pathogens. Unfavorable weather conditions combined with some common care mistakes lead to calcium deficiency.
The fruits rot from below due to drought
The tomatoes are particularly sensitive during long periods of heat and a lack of water. They cannot absorb enough moisture through their roots. Since the nutrients are transported with the irrigation water, a lack of water can quickly lead to a nutrient deficiency. The tomatoes only receive very small amounts of calcium and these are first transported to the leaves. A calcium deficiency is first noticeable in the fruits because they are the first to be undersupplied.
Often a soil analysis during drought reveals normal calcium levels in the soil. The problem can be solved by giving it plenty of water when it is dry. So that the soil can absorb the irrigation water better, the plants should be watered from below, early in the morning and very slowly.
What won't help is the additional calcium doses. Although antacid tablets, eggshells, etc. can increase the calcium content in the soil, the plant will not be able to absorb the nutrient without water.
Tomatoes have many small rotten spots: clay soil
If the soil is moderately moist but the tomatoes still get small brown spots, then it is due to the condition of the soil. Clay soil is sticky and makes it difficult for nutrients to be absorbed through the soil. ParticularFertilizer like coffee groundscan complicate the situation - coffee in large quantities can form an impermeable layer in the soil, which leads to waterlogging and nutrient deficiencies.
To avoid this, the clay soil should be loosened regularly. An additional layer of sand can improve drainage. You should also be very careful with fertilizing - and find out what one or other home remedy can do.
In addition, with clayey soil, the irrigation water needs more time to seep into the ground. Therefore, you should water carefully and slowly.
Rotting Tomatoes: Damaged roots
When the weather changes, the roots of heavy feeders suffer the most. You have to constantly adapt and regulate the water content of the plant depending on whether it is raining heavily or the sun is shining today. Alternating dryness and waterlogging can lead to root rot. Then the plant cannot absorb the nutrients and the fruits are the first to rot. In addition, weakened tomatoes often fall victim to various fungal diseases. Fruits dry much more slowly than leaves and can rot.
That's why they need itTomatoesdefinitely have rain protection. It is also best to keep them protected from the wind so that the shoots do not break in a storm and the fruit is damaged.
Another common mistake is to loosen the soil in the root area and incorporate fertilizer when it is dry. The inexperienced hobby gardener can accidentally damage the sensitive roots.
Instead, a finger-thick layer of mulch can help keep the soil moist but not wet. Grass clippings are best suited to protect the soil from drying out and at the same time provide nutrients.
Tomatoes turn black: over-fertilization
Tomatoes are often over-fertilized. On the one hand, because they are often supplied with the wrong fertilizers. On the other hand, because they get too much of a good thing.
Quickly soluble mineral-based fertilizers or fertilizers with a high nitrogen content can damage tomatoes during the flowering or harvesting period. The consequences initially go unnoticed - the roots burn and the leaves turn brown from bottom to top. First the new leaves and flowers wilt and then the old ones. The end result is severe leaf loss. The fruits initially develop many small brown spots, which then gradually become larger.
A good option for natural fertilizer is worm tea. This is a self-made liquid fertilizer made from organic waste that has been decomposed by worms. Various manures such as nettle manure can also promote fruit formation and shorten the ripening time.
Tomatoes wilt quickly on the vine?
Tomatoes planted near walnut trees wilt quickly and produce little fruit. The walnut trees secrete a chemical that is toxic to other plants and can stunt their growth. In this case, there is only one thing left to do - plant the tomatoes in a raised bed or greenhouse and fill the bed with potting soil.
Tomatoes rot on the vine: tips for prevention
There are a few basic rules when caring for tomatoes and if you follow them, you can look forward to healthy plants and a bountiful harvest.
1. Tomatoes need a sunny location. Choose a spot where they can receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight each day.
2. Check the soil for waterlogging and if necessary, improve it. Normal garden soil crumbles when dry and is lumpy when wet.
3. Water the plants thoroughly when it is not raining. Water the tomatoes from below and slowly so that the soil can absorb the water.
4. Fertilize the plants with a suitable natural fertilizer. You can first work compost into the root area and then adjust the type of fertilizer based on the needs of the plants.
5. Tie up the tomatoes. The up-tied shoots dry faster and are less susceptible to fungal diseases and bacteria.
Tomatoes are very undemanding plants. They need a lot of water, a sunny location and well-drained soil to develop well and bear numerous fruits. If you follow a few basic rules and recognize the early symptoms of deficiency, you will surely reap a bountiful harvest. Fertilize the heavy feeders regularly with the appropriate fertilizer depending on the stage of development so that you can prevent or combat calcium deficiency.
