In cool or short-season climates, cover planting bed with black plastic and then cover with floating row covers. When planting dig a shallow trench about 4 inches long and 3 inches deep for each plant. Lay the plant lengthwise in the trench and cover the root ball and all but the top 3 inches of the plant. The stem will root giving the plants a strong anchor. Push the soil up on the side away from the roots to form a pillow for the top of the plant encouraging a straight start.
Problems occur with sudden changes in soil-moisture levels.
Below are several problems that tomato plants develop because of poor growing practices or nutritional imbalances. A low level of calcium available to the plants is the reason for blossom-end rot. It may be that your soil is deficient in calcium, adding organic soil amendments will solve this problem by adding the needed nutrients in a slow release manner that the plant can use over the growing season. Heavy rains can also cause the lack of calcium, washing valuable nutrients out of the soil. Be sure to mulch your tomatoes with about 4 inches of oat straw or marsh hay.