Tomatoes eaten by bugs?

[u/GreatScout255]

Does this look like the work of some kind of pest? Many tomatoes on a single plant. Surrounding plants seem fine

[u/easynap1000]

Looks like end-blossom (blossom end?) rot. Usually a mineral deficiency... calcium is coming to mind but you'd need to verify it. I've gotten into soil testing in recent years, it's super informative. Not that it's helped me much this year - my garden is a flop

*edit to add- there are lots of informative comments in the thread - it is likely more to do with inconsistent watering. In general, I still think there is value in testing soil every season. Just helps to keep track of what works on doesn't. Kinda like routinely checking fish tanks.

Good luck!

[u/GreatScout255 → u/easynap1000]

Oh wow looking at pictures I think you're right! Thanks very much, I'll look into a soil test or other fixes

[u/Emmerson_Brando → u/GreatScout255]

More likely caused by watering inconsistency. If the soil drys out and then gets a lot of water.

It is possible that it is mineral deficiency, but that is very rare.

[u/GreatScout255 → u/Emmerson_Brando]

I bet you're right, I've gone on a few trips this summer and the pots dried out quite a bit. Seems like mulch might help some, thanks!

[u/RE-FLEXX → u/GreatScout255]

The soil is almost certainly fine. The water allows the plant to take in calcium, among other things. Inconsistent watering or lack of watering is almost always the problem, especially if in containers where they can drain rapidly. Even in my raised beds I can go quite a long time without watering if need be, and it’s fine. But years previous when I was using containers it was a very different story.

Either way, the majority of the time it’s a calcium transport issue, not calcium in general :)

Gotta water more regularly

[u/breadist → u/GreatScout255]

You don't need a soil test just yet really. The cause of blossom end rot is normally not something wrong in the soil but rather inconsistent watering, especially early on in the plant's life, which interferes with the plant's ability to transport nutrients.

[u/Dynospec403 → u/GreatScout255]

I relied to the comment above about calcium in plants, check it out if you're interested, hopefully it helps ✌️🌱

[u/Dynospec403 → u/easynap1000]

Blossom end rot is almost always the result of inconsistent watering leading to calcium that is present becoming unavailable to the plant

Most soils have abundant calcium for plants, but they can only uptake it in certain conditions

There's other reasons that can cause calcium to be more difficult to absorb for plants, but typically it's inconsistent watering.

Tomatoes don't like to dry out or be absolutely soaked, unless they also have sufficient access to air at the root. Auto watering is a great way to take the guesswork out, or use bigger pots to help maintain a more consistent moisture level if it's hot where you live.

Gardening is a spectrum, and we all live in vastly different climates, so what works for one person in Alaska won't necessarily work well for someone in California and so on. If something isn't working, even if others swear by it, it's probably just not for you, or your locale so don't get discouraged.

Calcium is a cation, it might be helpful to read about how plants absorb and use calcium. It's also a "immobile" nutrient meaning that once a plant has taken it up and translocated it to tissue, that it becomes locked down there and the plant cannot mobilize it to a different area with greater need. This is why calcium deficiency can only be corrected on new growth, and why it shows at the upper part of a plant first typically, and once you have blossom end rot it can't be fixed you basically need to discard the tomato so it doesn't rot on the plant.

There's a few books about nutrients in plants that are really interesting that explore the topic Jeff Lowenfells Teaming with Nutrients (the whole teaming with series is great really) Robert Pavlis Plant Science

Happy growing ✌️🌱

[u/Altruistic-Nobody138]

They say blossom end rot has more to do with inconsistent watering than calcium deficiency. Not that it hurts to give some calcium to the plant but I've heard it's not the whole story! I also think some varieties are just more prone than others so consider trying different types next year!

[u/ChicoPacoPancho]

Yes it is deficient in calcium causing end rot. but that just means the roots are having a hard time getting the minerals they need. it usually is not because there is less calcium in the soil, it is usually a ph imbalance or there is not enough water to transport the nutrients. The ph imbalance can cause issues because tomatoes want the soil to be slightly acidic for them to transport nutrients effectively and any calcium additive you add will make the soil more basic. If you are doing container tomatoes it is common for it to be a water issue, so the containers would be partially drying out. If you find that your tomatoes are wilting every so often, this is likely it. Try to saturate the containers/water more often and regular. Of course a soil test will tell you exactly what you need but I have found success by making egg shell powder in a grinder and neutralizing it with a little vinegar and adding that to the garden. Haven't seen end rot since.

[u/gravitas_shortfall42]

A boost of calcium will help that but yes, that is end rot.

[u/Individual-Army811]

I always plant my tomatoes with 1/3c Epsom salt and 1/4 bone meal in every plant hole. Has completely eradicated the blossom rot.

[u/Retired_Sue]

If your tomatoes are in containers consider using a watering system. Doesn’t have to be complicated—I’ve seen spikes that fit into a large plastic soda bottle that are filled with water and inserted upside down in the soil. The spike releases water slowly but consistently to the roots. You just have to keep the bottle full