From your description I suspect BER. It is called blossom end rot and you will find both a FAQ here about it as well as many discussions that include details on the causes. A search using "blossom end rot" will pull them up for you.

I linked to one of the many online photos of BER fruit below. See if it looks familiar, ok?

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: BER

I think that blossom end rot does not always produce a canker, Newontarionian. I made a comment about Snow White cherries on the tomato forum last year telling of my experience with a "patch" of brown on the bottom of essentially every SW cherry.

Turns out that cherries are generally thought to NOT have BER. That had been my experience, as well. But, I did a search of the literature and found that a university research team had reported BER in Snow Whites.

My tomatoes always have a few with BER but this was a leathery patch on the skin. Odd in itself - but you can look at the tomato forum and see my recent post on "heart-shaped without oxhearts." It was pointed out that weather is inconsistent and creates inconsistencies in plant development. Trying to maintain consistent soil moisture is my best defense against BER in tomatoes.

Steve

dave ...

yep .. my tomatoes looked exactly like the pictures you linked me to .. ouch .. yukky! lol

since i have my veggies planted in several half wine barrels, i simply cant understand that they ever got dry. as i said, i watered them every morning .. :-(

hope i have better results next summer.

thanks for helping!

diane
:-)

Diane, there's a number of possible BER causes which result in the lack of moisture reaching the entire fruit.

Calcium may be a remedy.

Steve

Here is a link that might be useful: Blossom End Rot of Tomato

Diane - please note that as Steve says there are many other possible causes. ;)

1) excess use of too-high nitrogen fertilizers is a common one and you mentioned "leaves galore". That is often a sign of too much fertilizer.

2) watering need is consistent moisture levels. That doesn't mean daily. ;) Infrequent but deep watering is far better than daily shallow watering to prevent root rot. As a general guideline 1 plant grown in a 1/2 barrel in zone 6 shouldn't need daily watering.

3) container plants are more prone to BER than in-ground plants.

4) container plants require a well-draining potting mix, no soil, just a good balanced soilless mix.

5) weather ;)

BER is a common problem so for future reference it is well to learn and consider all the possible causes.

Good luck next year.

Dave

steve and dave ...

my goodness but you both are very generous with your knowledge! you are truly getting me to think this one threw. i am pretty positive i have BER. i think i am going to have access the watering situation every morning, instead of just doing it mechanical-like. i appreciate everything you each brought to my awareness.

thank you sincerely,
diane
:-)