Common Tomato Troubles
Tomatoes are a popular crop, both for commercial growers and home gardeners. Even the best tomato growers run into problems along the way! We put together a simple, easy-to-follow guide to help you spot a few of the most common tomato troubles gardeners see. If you notice any of these in your tomatoes, don’t fret! We’ve got you covered on how to help make your tomatoes thrive!
Blossom End Rot
- What does it look like? You’ll notice dry, leathery dark spots near the bottom of the fruit
- Why does it happen? Blossom end rot is a calcium issue, not a disease! It’s often made worse by drought or uneven watering. You’ll typically see it on the first tomatoes of the season.
- How can you fight it? The best way to prevent blossom end rot is to keep the soil moisture consistent. Be sure not to let plants wilt between waterings! You can also mulch around plants to help lock in water. If problems persist, submit soil and tissue samples to the MSU Extension Soil Testing Lab.
Fruit Cracking
- Why does it happen? Inconsistent and uneven watering can be the culprit. It can also be caused by growth spurts or sudden changes in the weather.
- How can you fight it? The easiest way to prevent fruit cracking is to water plants evenly and use an adequate fertilizer program. The severity can also be lessened by mulching around the plants.
Catfacing
- What does it look like? You’ll notice ugly, irregularly shaped, scarred bottoms. Sometimes it runs up the sides of the tomatoes.
- Why does it happen? Cold temperatures during flower development can cause catfacing. Some tomato varieties are more prone to it.
- How can you fight it? One thing you can do is plant tomatoes a little later in the season when chances of chilly temps have passed. If you notice a drop in temperatures, be sure to cover the plants!
Uneven Ripening
- What does it look like? Uneven ripening looks exactly as it sounds. You’ll see odd green blotches, streaks, or stripes on the tomatoes. There may also be stars on the bottom of the fruit and yellow or green shoulders.
- Why does it happen? The exact cause can be hard to determine, but there are a few possible culprits. High temperatures, high nitrogen levels, low potassium, and viruses are all possible causes.
- How can you fight it? Keep your plants healthy and well-fed. We also recommend regular soil testing and a balanced fertilizer program.
Tomatoes can be tough to grow, but they are incredibly rewarding to grow. I’m drooling over the thought of a tomato sandwich right now! If you have problems or questions on your tomato growing journey, contact your local Extension office for help!
Check out these MSU Extension publications for more resources on how to grow great tomatoes:
Subscribe to Extension for Real Life
Fill in the information below to receive a weekly update of our blog posts.
Recent Posts
Washing your hands correctly helps prevent food-borne illness and stop the spread of colds, flu and other germs.
Teriyaki meatballs make a great meal. Just add some roasted vegetables and brown rice.