Can you tell me about bloom rot and how to prevent it?
Blossom end rot can affect tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, peppers, and melons when the plant does not get enough calcium during fruit development. This calcium deficiency can be caused by several factors such as inconsistent watering, extreme heat or drought conditions, over-fertilizing, root damage, or soil containing improper pH levels or too much water.

Here are some tips to prevent blossom end rot:

•Water plants consistently - Fruiting vegetables need steady watering free from the extremes of drying out or being waterlogged.
•Test and adjust the calcium levels in the soil - Fresh soil is likely to have sufficient calcium level whereas used soil may be lacking calcium. Organic calcium sources include lime, bone meal, and finely crushed egg shells.
•Test and adjust pH in the soil - The pH in the soil affects the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients. The ideal pH range for growing vegetables is 6.5 to 7.5.
•Use fertilizers that include calcium - Ordinary fertilizer contains nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus that do not change calcium levels.
•Avoid root damage - Damaged roots can prevent the plant from properly intaking water and calcium.