Introduction

Tomato plants need plenty of nutrients, like calcium, to grow properly. Inadequate amounts of calcium can lead to problems like blossom end rot. To prevent these issues and promote healthy growth, it's important to know how to add calcium to tomato plants.

1. Soil Testing

Before adding any supplements to the soil, it's important to test its pH levels. Tomatoes thrive in soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.8. You can get a soil test kit from a garden center, or bring a soil sample to a laboratory for analysis. If your soil pH levels are too low, you'll need to add lime to increase the pH.

2. Eggshells and Bones

One way to add calcium to your tomato plants is by using eggshells and bones. Crushed eggshells are rich in calcium and can be added to the soil by mixing them in with the dirt. Another way is by putting in fish bones or bone meal on the soil. Both methods are effective and can last up to a year.

3. Calcium Nitrate

Calcium nitrate is another option for adding calcium to tomato plants. It's a water-soluble fertilizer that provides both calcium and nitrogen, which are required for plant growth. You can mix calcium nitrate with water and apply it to the soil, or you can spray it directly onto the plants.

4. Ag lime

Agricultural lime or ag lime is a good source of calcium and is commonly used to neutralize acidic soil. Adding it to the soil will increase the pH and supply plants with the necessary nutrients. It can take a while for ag lime to start working, so it's best to add it in the fall.

5. Gypsum

Gypsum is a natural mineral that contains calcium and sulfur. It can help improve soil structure and drainage, as well as supply calcium to your plants. Just like ag lime, gypsum should be applied in the fall. It's also important to note that gypsum has a high pH level, so it should be used only on soil that's already neutral.

Conclusion

Adding calcium to tomato plants is essential to ensure healthy growth and high yields. There are several ways to add calcium to the soil, including using eggshells and bones, calcium nitrate, ag lime, and gypsum. Before adding any supplements, it's important to test your soil's pH levels to make sure that it's suitable for growing tomatoes. With the right nutrients, you'll be able to grow flavorful and healthy tomatoes in your home garden.