| Someone told me i can mix by own natural/organic chemical to treat this disease. Can you tell me the formula? Thanks! |
| Blossom end rot is a physiological condition caused by a lack of calcium at the growing tip of the fruit. While your soil may have adequate calcium, fluctuations in soil moisture content from dry to wet really increase the incidence of blossom end rot. It is especially bad on the early fruit each summer and in sandy soils. The damage occurs as cells die at the tip of the fruit. In time (and as the fruit grows) the spots enlarge and turn black. So, by the time you see it, the damage actually has already occurred some time back. Remedies include: having a soil test to make sure calcium levels are adequate, adding organic matter to a sandy soil to increase its moisture holding capacity, keeping plants evenly moist, especially during the development of the first fruits (mulch helps maintain soil moisture), and spraying plants with a Blossom End Rot spray (contains calcium) which can usually be purchased from your local garden center. Usually the other cultural practices will control the problem without the need for spraying. If you want to make your own calcium spray, you can, but here's the disclaimer - you do so at your own risk. Using the product in this way is contrary to label directions and no one will take blame (or credit) for any adverse reactions except yourself. Mix two level tablespoons of calcium chloride powder in a gallon of water. Calcium chloride (80% concentration) is the ingredient of DampRid Closet Freshener(tm) product sold at drugstores. Using DampRid in this way is solely your responsibility. |
