Teenage Black Toes Today

In the gardening world, this is a very common issue known as . It’s frustrating, but the good news is that it’s usually a fixable problem rather than a fatal disease. What is "Teenage Black Toes"?

Because tomatoes are mostly water, they need a constant stream of calcium to build their cell walls. If that stream is interrupted while the fruit is growing (the "teenage" stage), the cells at the very bottom (the blossom end) literally collapse, leading to: teenage black toes

that eventually turn dark brown or black. Leathery, sunken patches on the bottom of the fruit. Secondary mold occasionally moving into the damaged area. Why is it Happening? In the gardening world, this is a very common issue known as

Surprisingly, it’s rarely because your soil actually lacks calcium. Most of the time, the plant just can't move the calcium it has into the fruit fast enough. Common triggers include: Because tomatoes are mostly water, they need a

: Once the plant starts fruiting, switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus and potassium to encourage fruit development over leafy growth.

: In a pinch, some gardeners use a calcium foliar spray or even crushed Tums (calcium carbonate) worked into the soil for a quick boost.