Tomato growing issue

[Noblesix]

Hi newbie to the forum here.

i am hoping to get some advice please. I have about 15 tomato plants in pots. Using garden centre veg compost and tomato seaweed fertiliser and I would say half have what seems to be blossom end rot. My first experience of it over the years of growing tomatoes. I've tried adding garden lime to the soil to increase calcium levels. But seemingly not helping its not all the tomatoes on the plant but becoming a significant problem. I would appreciate some advice please.

[Snoop Puss]

Hello and welcome to the Vine, noblesix.

You're right about that being blossom end rot. The problem may not be the actual availability of calcium in the soil but the plant's inability to transport it up. The problem often occurs due to irregular watering. I imagine you're watering just as often as in the past, but this year could be different due to the hotter temperatures and you may need to water more. Do you notice your pots drying out quicker than usual?

[Andraste]

Hi Noblesix ,

I had just this same convo with Mum today! She decided to reduce watering as Monty mentioned doing so less than she usually does. The result was her first ever blossom end rot! Just shows what works for one doesn't always work for someone else, however successful & knowledgeable the source.

Back to you - I concur with Snoop that more water is likely needed than usual to maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil.

[Jungle Jane]

What has your watering routine been? To avoid this make sure you water the pots every day,some might need two waterings a day if they’re having that problem,depending on size of pot etc. Its the heat & the plant not getting enough water supplied to the whole plant. This started happening to me the last few years because of the temperature increase here in Essex.

[Noblesix]

Hi Snoop, Andraste and Jungle Jane, i appreciate your replies on this.

my watering schedule is every 2-3 days when we have cooler wearher, but 1-2 days during the heat. Though I do go by visual appearance of soil as well.

After reading your replies ive just watered them and will esnure to water at least daily.

Thank you again.

[Snoop Puss]

Good luck. Hope the new watering regime sorts the problem for you.

[bramble]

Hi, just to add, if they are in pots they will need to be watered at least once a day.
I have been watering mine twice daily since the weather got warmer.

[rootball]

Like bramble and others, i give mine a good watering every day rain or shine.

[rary]

Could I suggest that you position your pots above but out of a tray of water, insert something at the bottom of the pot which will act as a wick to draw up water from the tray, water the pot to create a capillary action there after you just need to keep a level of water in the tray therefore cutting out the need to water every day, then the only time you add liquid to the top of the pot is when you are feeding the plants

[Nicos]

We use one inverted plastic bottle with the base cut out inserted down to almost the base of each pot.
Just watering into the bottle - so that gives a good indication of when it needs topping up. Also bark chippings on the soil surface.