Just yesterday the bushes were covered with healthy green fruits, and today dark spots have already appeared on them. For many gardeners this becomes an unpleasant surprise, because the problem is capable of spoiling a significant part of the harvest in a few days. The good news is that in most cases the situation can be taken under control if you determine the cause in time.

Why do tomatoes start to turn black?

Most often the culprit is a sharp change in weather conditions. Prolonged rains, cold nights, high humidity and dense plantings create an ideal environment for the development of fungal diseases. Exactly then dark or black spots appear on the fruits and leaves.

Another common cause is lack of calcium. In such a case the lower part of the fruit turns black, and the tissue becomes dry and hard. This phenomenon is called blossom end rot, and it often arises because of uneven watering, even if there is enough calcium in the soil.

One should also not forget about mechanical damage to the fruits, sunburns or weakening of the plants after prolonged heat. Because of this tomatoes become more vulnerable to infections.

How to prevent the problem?

• Water the tomatoes regularly, not allowing either drying out or over-moistening of the soil.
• Remove the lower leaves to improve air circulation between the bushes.
• Do not thicken the plantings — the plants should ventilate well.
• After rains carefully examine the bushes. If you notice the first affected leaves or fruits, remove them immediately.
• Feed the tomatoes with fertilizers containing calcium, especially during the active filling of the fruits.
• Mulch the ground under the bushes. This helps retain moisture longer and reduces temperature fluctuations near the roots.

What to do if black spots have already appeared?

Do not leave diseased fruits on the bushes. They only become a source of spreading the problem. It is better to remove the affected tomatoes at once, and treat the plants with a permitted fungicide or biopreparation according to the instructions. If the cause is blossom end rot, it is worth adjusting the watering regime and providing the plants with calcium.

The main secret of a generous harvest

Tomatoes rarely get sick without a reason. Most often they signal about mistakes in care or unfavourable weather conditions. Regular inspection of the bushes, timely watering and proper nutrition will help keep the fruits healthy until the very harvest.

May this season every bush delight you with large, juicy and healthy tomatoes!