----Apologies to Mr. Clark--I didn't mean to send my reply to your personal e-mail address. I'm new at e-mailing/mailing list. original posting- Does anybody else have this problem-- watermelons turning black and shriveling up on the blossom end? I suspect a soil nutrient deficiency. TIA for any comments/advice. Happy Gardening- Bee HMM, I've got the same problem. I've almost given up on eating a watermelon from the garden this year. Any suspicions as to what is missing? DC Dunno' -I think it's time for a soil test. Had a 'good' crop of Charleston Greys a few years ago. I think I amended the soil with cottonseed meal that particular year (didn't keep garden records then); maybe I'll give it a try again next year. Bee ps -enjoying the last tomatoes and peppers -and waiting for the greens to come in; as well as a late planting of cucumbers.