How to spot it

A tan patch at the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit that turns into a black, leathery, sunken spot.

Why it happens

It isn't a disease. Too little calcium reaches the growing fruit, almost always because watering was uneven, not because the soil lacks calcium. Early fruit is hit most.

What to do now

• Pick the damaged fruit; the fruit that comes next is usually fine once watering is steady.

Keep it away next time

• Water deeply and evenly, about 1 inch a week, more in heat.
• Mulch to keep the soil evenly moist.
• Don't overdo nitrogen fertilizer.
• Test the soil before adding calcium; most soils have plenty.

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Plants it affects