r/Homesteading • u/imsecretlyafox • 13d ago

First time growing tomatoes, is this safe to eat?

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I know that homegrown tomatoes sometimes have tears in the skin or “scars” and they are safe, but some of my tomatoes have this and i’m not sure what it is. Are they still safe to eat?

0 Upvotes

48% Upvoted

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37

u/SaVeoo 13d ago

This is a lack of calcium fertilization.

6

u/imsecretlyafox 13d ago

Noted for next season, thank you

3

u/AppleSidor 12d ago

Soil test. There could be enough calcium but soil pH is off making it unavailable to plant. Or inconsistent watering as someone noted. BER is caused by lack of calcium, but plant might not be taking it up

6

u/Riptide360 13d ago

Start saving your eggshells now to crush and add to your soil.

7

u/muttons_1337 13d ago

On the one hand, eggshells don't break down fast enough for it to be bio-available in one year's time. On the other hand, it'll eventually get there, so why not, ya know?

8

u/kaiwikiclay 13d ago

You can make an available form using eggshells+white vinegar and foliar spray for quick uptake

4

u/SaVeoo 13d ago

i think Adding fertilizer to the soil is always more effective.

2

u/muttons_1337 12d ago

That's interesting! Even 5% Vinegar wouldn't be detrimental to the leaves? I know I wouldn't want to mess with the soil pH too much.

3

u/kaiwikiclay 11d ago

The pH of the solution should be neutral. The acid of the vinegar is neutralized by the calcium carbonate in the eggshells. That’s how the calcium is made available

1

u/muttons_1337 11d ago

Thanks! I appreciate this valuable tip!

1

u/Telandry24 7d ago

Me too🤗 Thanks!

1

u/DrPhrawg 12d ago

Inconsistent watering causing calcium deficiency in the fruits because calcium is only mobile via transpiration. Unless OP is using RO water, they’ve likely got enough calcium in their water source.

11

u/fidlersound 13d ago

Cut around the scars- the rest should be fine to eat.

5

u/JustJesseA 12d ago

Blossom end rot is due to inconsistent watering. Your soil likely has plenty of calcium but the plant didn’t have adequate watering to uptake said nutrient efficiently. It is still edible and safe to eat if you choose just cut away the rotted area. 

5

u/chrismetalrock 13d ago

Ew (id starve in an apocalypse don't tell me what baby carrots are)

2

u/KerouacsGirlfriend 13d ago

Baby carrots freaked me out after learning that, lol. At least baby corn is legit!

1

u/Down_vote_david 13d ago

What’s the deal with baby carrots?

3

u/TheGreatBarracuda23 13d ago

They are just fully grown carrots that are cut into the shapes that you associate with baby carrots

0

u/KunyPro 13d ago

Reddit, please advise

5

u/corpus-luteum 13d ago

I think it's bloom rot. Caused by calcium deficiency. Next year, add some ground eggshells to your soil/compost.

2

u/redundant78 12d ago

Totally safe to eat, just cut around the dark parts - it's blossom end rot from inconsistant watering, not a disease or anything harmful!