Blossom end rot and Epsom Salts

[Tin Shed]

Several of us on the allotment are having problems with blossom end rot and the conversation this morning turned to using Epsom salts to cure the problem. I had never heard of this before so did a google search  and some sites recommend it as a cure.
What are your thoughts  - has anyone heard of this before?

[Tin Shed]

[Emagggie]

No, TS, but awaiting replies with anticipation as I have discovered the same problem too.

[Fork]

Epsom Salts for blossom end rot??.......dont think so,or should I say I have never heard that one before.

Epsom salts to revive the plant when it shows signs of magnesium deficiency yes,but blossom end rot is new to me.

In my experience you need keep the soil around your tomotoes moist and not let it dry out.....once you have let it dry out and water again you almost certainly end up with the rot.

[Kepouros]

Epsom salts are not likely to be of much use for Blossom End Rot.  The main cause of B.E.R is uneven watering, possibly coupled wth an inadequate supply of calcium.  It is also noticeable that plants which have been heavily pruned are more badly affected that those which have not,

The first step is to get the watering schedule right, after which application of calcium will usually do the trick.  There are now several preparations on sale containing calcium for spraying or watering on, although a solution of calcium nitrate at 4 tablespoons to the gallon would be better than nothing.

[GrannieAnnie]

Around here the recommendation is put some lime or bonemeal in each hole when planting to boost the calcium.
If your soil is already alkaline adding more lime might be bad though.  I pulverize all our egg shells after drying in the oven when it is cooling down after baking and keep adding that to the tomato beds.

And as mentioned, keep the moisture levels adequate- easier said than done this year!

[Duke Ellington]

I have blossom end rot on some of my sweet peppers :'(

[Kepouros]

The cause is precisely the same is in tomatoes, and precisely the same remedies apply.  With peppers it is usually only the first one to set that is affected, but it can affect all.  If you use the solution of Calcium nitrate it should be sprayed on the plant as soon  as each fruit in turn sets.

It is a good idea before planting peppers or tomatoes to do a pH test and correct any calcium deficiencies before planting.  I high humus content in  the soil will then help in preventing fluctuations in  the moisture level.

[muddylou]

I had this problem with my potted Tom plants, I googled it and the consensus was to use Lime. I sprinkled Lime and watered in. It sorted the problem out and I'm having great Tomatoes from these plants. I was watering regularly before but perhaps the heat and dry conditions we had at the time here in London, led to the problem.

[Kepouros]

Lime will certainly do the trick.  However, only very small amounts of calcium are required and it is far too easy to apply much too much lime, the result of which would be that you would be worried because your plants had gone yellow and the fruit had stopped setting.

[Jeannine]

Personally I don't think there is much you can do once you have it,the cause is a lack of  available calcium  earlier in the plants life.This inability can  be caused by insuffiecient water at flowering time or indeed by too  much water. It is  the plants ability to take in the calcium at that time , not a shortage of it in the soil.

If you are sure that your soil has sifficient calcium then  there is no need to add anything more, the flowers that are all ready fertilised either have made it or not, the problem cannot be fixed after this point. Just maintain even steady waterings for fruit to come..not highs and lows.

If it is any help it is usually confined to the first fruits that arrive and later fruits are unaffected, some varieties of tomatoes are more prone to it than others.If fruits are affected now, the following ones may be just fine.

Peppers, tomatoes and squash can be affected

You can cut off the damaged part and use the remainder of the fruit.

My advice is to leave well alone rather than upsetting the plants balance which is probably OK ,and concentrate on even watering.

XX Jeannine

[Tin Shed]

Thanks for everyone's input - now am I brave enough to tell those who swear by the Epsom Salt remedy that it really doesn't work ;)
Will someone please rmind me next year not to grow San Marzano as they always get blossom end rot ;D

[longalot]

MY San Marzano seem to good for me every year with no BER.
What I am doing different then ever one else? Sorry can't tell you since do not know.
Might be that, I water more often then most or it could be  be something in my compost.
Only a soil test might tell me.

[Jeannine]

They are a bit susceptible I am afraid  I will look though my notes and find you a few tolerant ones

XX Jeannine