I can tell what season it is by the tomato questions I get. In fall, it’s "Can I get these green tomatoes to ripen?" In Winter, the question is, “Is It Too Soon To Plant Tomatoes?” In Spring, it’s, "Should I prune those first tomato flowers off?" And in Summer, it’s the frantic tomato grower who asks, “What’s wrong with my tomatoes? They're turning brown and wrinkly on the bottom!" That, of course, is blossom end rot.

Let's tackle that summertime question now, in the spring. Because blossom end rot can be thwarted now if you take the right steps before that tomato plant sets fruit.  We chat about blossom end rot with Don Shor, of Redwood Barn Nursery in Davis, CA.

Also, we talk with "Grow Your Soil" author Diane Miessler, a long time gardener who champions the garden skills of "chop and drop" and the" snip and flip"…sometimes known as composting in place. Plus, she owns a vegetable tutu and plays the banjo.

We’re podcasting from Barking Dog Studios here in the beautiful Abutilon Jungle in Suburban Purgatory. It’s the Garden Basics with Farmer Fred podcast, brought to you today by Smart Pots and Dave Wilson Nursery. And we will do it all in just a bit over 30 minutes. Let’s go!

Pictured:
Blossom End Rot on a Roma Paste Tomato

Links:
Subscribe to the free, Garden Basics with Farmer Fred Newsletter https://gardenbasics.substack.com
Smart Pots https://smartpots.com/fred/
Dave Wilson Nursery https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/

The Truth About Compost Tea from VA Cooperative Extension
FF Rant:  Blossom End Rot of Tomatoes
Rainpoint soil moisture monitor
Book: Grow Your Own Soil by Diane Miessler
Paudon's Crossing (the band)

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