On my link page you will find some people with a bit more formal training. I welcome the free exchange of information and ideas on this subject. Over winters in the soil.
Lower leaves turn yellow, wilt and drop off.
Sunken brown or black patches on the blossom end of the fruit. Caused by too much nitrogen, acid soil, uneven watering or high humidity. These conditions inhibit the plants intake of calcium. Correcting these has always worked for me, but if you still have blossom end rot, one of the liquid calcium products available at garden stores should do the trick. Caused by injury to the plant during blossoming, often from a period of cold weather.