tomato trouble

[callboy]

I have some tomato plants that seem to be doing well but as soon as they turn red and are picked I notice the base is black. this isn't the case while they are green.
any ideas ?

[Hawkwalk]

its called blossom end rot which is caused by a lack of calcium. The normal casue of this is drought which means they have been allowed to dry out at some point. Ensure that the plants remain well watered and fed and dont let them dry out especially when the fruit is fattening up and ripening.

[Clanad]

In addition to Hawkwalk's good advice, you should mulch the base of the plant with peat moss or some other such material if you're experiencing dry weather. Even then, be sure to water every other day at least a total of an inch per week.
If the malady continues, you can try spraying with calcium chloride, but ever so lightly. You can also try a fairly high phosphate rich fertilizer, say 5-15-5 or even 5-20-5.

You may have planted them to early in cold soil. this is a common cause of th eblossom end rot. The soil temperature should be a minimum of 50 degrees F before transplanting... Best of luck!

[callboy]

thankyou halkwalk and clanad I'll heed your advice.