It happens to us all. Midsummer is the time when tomato problems start showing up. Here are a few of the most common problems you're likely to face.

1. Your plants look healthy, when all of a sudden the flowers start falling off the plant. This is commonly called-guess what-blossom drop! Blossom drop can be caused by plant stress of many types: poor nutrition or over-fertilizing, temperature extremes, high winds, insect or disease stress, and too much or too little light.

Not much you can do about the environmental stresses, though some varieties are more heat and/or cold tolerant than others. As for nutrition, make sure you fertilize regularly, but don't overdo it. Remember Schultz® Tomato Plus™ plant food is so effective, we recommend using half the amount of other brands. To guard against diseases, make sure your plants have plenty of room for good air flow, and water early enough that foliage dries before dusk.

2. Another common problem is "blossom end rot," an affliction resulting in the bottom, or blossom end, of the fruit becoming black or brown and leathery. This results from a calcium deficiency, which in turn is usually caused by fluctuations in soil moisture levels. Mulching around your plants and consistent water should eliminate blossom end rot. A soil test can confirm calcium levels in your soil and whether it needs supplementing.

3. If your tomatoes develop cracks and splits, it is usually due to rapid growth resulting from excessive rain following a dry period. Again, consistent watering and mulch should help you avoid this problem.

4. If your tomatoes are developing into misshapen mutants, chances are the problem is "catfacing." This condition is caused by excessively cool or cloudy days during the time when the fruit is setting. Don't dispair. If nature gives you "catfacing," try making "cat-sup!"

5. Holes, large or small, mean worms are feasting at your table. For the small holes, look for fruitworms, and try spraying them your crop with Schultz Fruits & Vegetables Insect Spray, made with natural pyrethrins so it's safe to use on edibles up to the day of harvest. For the larger holes, hornworms might be the culprits. Look for them and pick them off by hand.

If you have tomato problems you don't see described here, read about more tomato pests and diseases under Plant Problems. Happy gardening!