How Do I Add Calcium to Tomato Plants?

Calcium is an essential nutrient for tomato plants, as it helps them develop strong cell walls and resist diseases such as blossom end rot. However, many garden soils may be lacking in calcium. So how can you ensure that your tomato plants get enough of this important mineral? Here are some tips:

Test Your Soil

Before you start adding calcium to your soil, it's important to know how much calcium it already contains. You can test your soil's calcium levels using a soil testing kit, which you can purchase from a garden center or online. The kit will help you determine the pH of your soil and the levels of various nutrients, including calcium.

Add Lime

If your soil is acidic, adding lime can help raise its pH levels and make it more alkaline. This can improve the availability of calcium to your tomato plants. Lime is also rich in calcium, so it can directly provide this nutrient to your plants.

To add lime to your soil, you'll need to spread a layer of it over the surface and then work it in using a garden rake or tiller. The amount of lime you'll need will depend on the size of your garden and the pH of your soil. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package and apply the lime at the recommended rate.

Use Calcium-Rich Fertilizers

Another way to add calcium to your soil is by using fertilizers that are rich in this nutrient. Look for fertilizers that specifically mention calcium on the label, such as bone meal or fish bone meal. These organic fertilizers will not only add calcium to your soil but also provide other nutrients that your tomato plants need, such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

You can apply these fertilizers to your soil according to the instructions on the package. Be careful not to apply too much, as over-fertilization can harm your tomato plants.

Add Calcium Directly to the Soil

If you need a quick fix for your calcium-deficient soil, you can add calcium directly to the soil. Agricultural lime, gypsum, and Epsom salts are all sources of calcium that can be added to your soil to improve its calcium levels. However, be careful when using these materials, as they can alter the pH of your soil and create imbalances in other nutrients.

To apply these materials, spread them over the soil and then work them in using a garden rake or tiller. You'll need to water your soil thoroughly after application to help the calcium dissolve and become available to your plants.

Add Calcium to Your Compost

If you want to take a more long-term approach to building up the calcium levels in your soil, you can add calcium-rich materials to your compost. Eggshells, bone meal, and fish bone meal are all sources of calcium that can be added to your compost heap. The calcium will then become available to your plants as the compost breaks down.

Be sure to crush any eggshells before adding them to your compost, as this will help them break down more quickly. You can also add these materials directly to the soil around your tomato plants, but keep in mind that it may take some time for the calcium to become available.

Conclusion

Adding calcium to your tomato plants is a simple process that can greatly improve their health and yield. By testing your soil, using fertilizers, and adding calcium-rich materials to your compost, you can ensure that your tomato plants get the calcium they need to develop strong cell walls and resist diseases.