Introduction

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables grown in home gardens because they are easy to grow and produce high yields. However, one of the common problems tomato growers face is blossom end rot, a condition caused by calcium deficiency. In this article, we will discuss how to give your tomato plants the necessary calcium they require to produce healthy fruits.

Test the Soil pH

The first step in determining if your tomato plants need calcium is to test the soil pH. Tomatoes require a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 to absorb calcium effectively. Anything outside of this range can make it difficult for the plant to take up calcium. You can purchase a soil pH test kit from your local garden center or take a sample of your soil to a testing lab for analysis.

Add Lime or Gypsum

To increase the calcium availability in your soil, you can add lime or gypsum. Lime is recommended for acidic soil with a pH below 6.0, as it helps to raise the pH level. Gypsum, on the other hand, is recommended for alkaline soil with a pH above 7.0, as it helps to reduce high soil pH levels. Both lime and gypsum are available at most garden centers and can be applied to the soil by spreading it over the surface and working it into the soil using a garden rake or hoe.

Add Eggshells

Another way to add calcium to your soil is by using eggshells. Eggshells are rich in calcium and can be crushed up and added to the soil. To do this, simply rinse the eggshells thoroughly, let them dry, and crush them into small pieces. Once crushed, sprinkle the eggshells over the soil around the plants and work them into the soil using your hands or a garden tool.

Use Calcium Supplements

If you are not able to increase the soil calcium using the methods mentioned above, you can use calcium supplements to feed your tomato plants. These supplements are usually available in the form of liquid or granular fertilizers and can be added to the soil during the growing season. It is also important to note that excessive use of calcium supplements can lead to excess calcium in the soil, which can cause other plant problems.

Conclusion

Calcium is an essential nutrient for the healthy growth of tomato plants. Adding calcium to the soil can help prevent blossom end rot and improves the overall quality of the fruit. By testing the soil pH, adding lime or gypsum, using eggshells or calcium supplements, you can give your tomato plants the calcium they need and enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy and delicious tomatoes.