How to Put Calcium in Tomato Plants

Calcium is an essential nutrient for the growth and development of tomato plants. It plays an important role in the formation of cell walls, the regulation of enzyme activities, and the prevention of diseases. However, many soil types are deficient in calcium, making it necessary to supplement the soil with calcium-rich materials. Here are some ways to put calcium in tomato plants.

1. Using Calcium Fertilizers

The easiest way to add calcium to tomato plants is to use calcium fertilizers. These fertilizers come in various forms, including liquid, granular, and powder. They are made of calcium carbonate, calcium nitrate, or calcium sulfate, and can be applied directly to the soil around the tomato plants.

When using calcium fertilizers, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply the fertilizer at the recommended rate. Overuse of calcium fertilizers can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots of the tomato plants.

2. Applying Calcium-Rich Amendments

Another way to put calcium in tomato plants is to add calcium-rich amendments to the soil. Amendments such as gypsum, lime, and bone meal are all good sources of calcium. These amendments can be added to the soil before planting or as a top dressing later in the growing season.

It is important to note that some amendments can also alter the pH of the soil. Lime, for example, is an alkaline amendment that can raise the pH of acidic soils. It is important to test your soil's pH before adding any amendments, and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.

3. Using Calcium Foliar Spray

In addition to adding calcium to the soil, you can also apply it directly to the leaves of the tomato plants as a foliar spray. Calcium foliar sprays are a good option for plants that are already growing in calcium-deficient soil or for plants that are showing signs of calcium deficiency, such as yellowing leaves or blossom-end rot.

Calcium foliar sprays are made by dissolving calcium chloride or calcium nitrate in water, and can be sprayed on the plant's leaves using a spray bottle or a sprayer. It is important to apply the spray evenly on both sides of the leaves and to avoid spraying in direct sunlight, as this can cause sunburn on the plant.

4. Mulching with Calcium-Rich Materials

Another way to put calcium in tomato plants is to mulch around them with calcium-rich materials. Mulch such as crushed eggshells, crushed oyster shells, or bonemeal can slowly release calcium into the soil as they decompose.

Mulching also has the added benefit of conserving moisture in the soil and suppressing weed growth. However, it is important to ensure that the mulch does not touch the stems of the tomato plants, as this can create a moist environment that can lead to fungal diseases.

Conclusion

Adding calcium to tomato plants is crucial for their growth and development, as calcium plays a vital role in many of their biological processes. By using calcium fertilizers, applying calcium-rich amendments, using calcium foliar sprays, and mulching with calcium-rich materials, you can ensure that your tomato plants have access to the calcium they need to thrive.