How Do You Add Calcium to Your Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in home gardens, and for good reason: they are delicious, nutritious, and relatively easy to cultivate. However, like any plant, tomatoes require certain nutrients to thrive, including calcium. Calcium is necessary for strong cell walls and healthy growth, and without enough of it, tomato plants are susceptible to blossom end rot, a common condition that causes the fruit to rot from the bottom up. Fortunately, there are several ways to add calcium to your tomato plants.

Test Your Soil

The first step in adding calcium to your tomato plants is to test your soil. You can buy a soil test kit online, at a garden center or nursery, or through your local cooperative extension service. Once you have the results, you will know the pH and nutrient levels of your soil, including calcium. If your soil is deficient in calcium, you will need to add some to ensure that your tomato plants get what they need.

Add Lime or Gypsum

If your soil is acidic, adding lime can help raise the pH and provide calcium at the same time. Apply lime in the fall or early spring, when you are preparing your soil for planting. You can also add gypsum, which is a natural mineral that contains calcium and sulfur. Gypsum can be added at any time, and it will not affect the pH of your soil. Both lime and gypsum are available at garden centers and online.

Use Eggshells

Eggshells are a great source of calcium for tomato plants. After you have used the eggs, rinse the shells and let them dry. Crush them into small pieces, and sprinkle them around the base of your tomato plants. The eggshells will slowly break down over time, providing a slow-release source of calcium. This method is especially effective if you have a small garden or patio containers.

Add Bonemeal

Bonemeal is a slow-release fertilizer that is high in phosphorus and calcium. You can sprinkle bonemeal around the base of your tomato plants when you first plant them or when they start to produce fruit. Be sure to follow the package directions for application rates, and water the plants thoroughly after applying. Bonemeal is available at garden centers and online.

Conclusion

Adding calcium to your tomato plants is essential for healthy growth and preventing blossom end rot. There are several ways to add calcium to your soil, including adding lime or gypsum, using eggshells, and adding bonemeal. By testing your soil and choosing the method that works best for you, you can ensure that your tomato plants are getting the nutrients they need to thrive.