RADIO TRANSCRIPT
July 20th, 2026
Tanner Collier

Hello, this is Tanner Collier, the Horticulture Agent with Burke County Cooperative Extension. Our program today is about “Blossom End Rot.”

As our plants start baring fruit and maturing, do you have any that are turning brown and shriveling at the end farthest from the stem? If you do, this is Blossom End Rot. Blossom End Rot generally affects tomatoes, peppers, watermelon, squash, and various other cucurbits. When you see this, it is best to pick these fruits off the plant and discard them. You can not save them from this. Now you might be asking yourself, “Why does this happen?” Blossom End Rot is caused by a deficiency of calcium in your soil. Consider doing a soil test to determine what your nutrient and pH levels are within your garden.

Lime can be used to help amend soils with low calcium. This should only be done if your pH levels need to be brought up. Your soil test will recommend how much you need to apply. If your pH is at the correct level, gypsum can be used to increase calcium without affecting pH. Gypsum can be used at a rate of 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet in your garden. Generally, you want to apply both lime and gypsum in the fall or during your garden's resting period. If applied right before or during the planting season, Blossom End Rot will still occur because the amendments did not have enough time to take effect.

Take a look at your garden today and see if you find Blossom End Rot. If you do, it might be time to do a soil test. Remember, you do your best when you soil test!

This has been Tanner Collier, with Burke County Cooperative Extension. If you have any questions or want more information you can contact us at (828) 764-9480.