My unripe tomatoes are brown on the bottom, what to do?

Question

So Im growing two tomato plants out of a large knee high pot. The first few larger ones have brown soft spots on the bottom. I have read it must be due to a calcium problem , but I can't find any information on what to do now. I assume I should cut those off and hope the rest don't develop this problem. I bought a spray on fertilizer made of worm p**p (the name escapes me) I am hoping will help, but is this too late? I water once a day, but who knows if it's too much or enough that i give them. And lastly can the top halves of those brown bottom tomatoes be used for frying or are they compost now?

Answer 1

I had this problem myself, and now my tomatoes are looking great!

  First of all- it's called "blossom end rot", and it's very common- especially on your first tomatoes of the season.

You're right- it is a lack of calcium, and there are several things you can do to turn things around.

First, Get rid of all of the affected fruit. The critters like them still.

If you use eggs, keep the shells, and throw them into the pot.

Try adding "bone meal"around the plant.

  Next year- before planting your tomatoes, try adding a calcium additive into the soil, and you shouldn't have the problem again.

Also- Sometimes- you may just have the first batch affected, then the rest will be fine.

Good luck!

Answer 2

it could also be flower rot from uneven watering. try to water at the same pace making sure that the soil stays nice and moist 9doesnt dry up and then you soak them. I dont see why you couldnt cut up and fry.  

Answer 3

This is blossom-end rot: a common problem with tomatoes. Usually it is caused by over-watering and using too much fertilizer. See the linked article. Tomatoes really don't need huge amounts of water and you can let the soil get moderately dry before watering again.

According to Ohio State University, the calcium on the leaves cure does not work.

You can cut off the brown bottoms and eat the tops safely - the brown is not a disease, but the cells of the tomato collapsing.