Introduction

Tomatoes are a great source of nutrition and adding calcium to tomato plants can help improve their growth and yield. Calcium is a vital nutrient for plant growth as it is required for plant cell development and structural integrity. In this article, we will discuss how you can get calcium into your tomato plants for a healthy and fruitful harvest.

Soil preparation

The first step in getting calcium into your tomato plants is ensuring that the soil is prepared for planting. Make sure that the soil is well-draining and has an adequate supply of nutrients, especially calcium. Adding organic matter like compost or aged manure to the soil can help improve its nutrient content and structure. You can also add calcium-rich fertilizers like bone meal or gypsum to the soil before planting to help supplement the soil's calcium levels.

Foliar feeding

Foliar feeding is a technique that involves spraying a nutrient-rich liquid directly onto the plant leaves for absorption. This method of fertilization is particularly useful for getting calcium into tomato plants as it allows the plant to absorb the nutrient through its leaves, bypassing any soil nutrient deficiencies. You can create a calcium-rich foliar spray by mixing calcium nitrate or calcium chloride with water and spraying it on the plant leaves. Be sure to spray in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not as strong to prevent leaf burn.

Addition of eggshells

Eggshells are a cheap and easily accessible source of calcium that can be added to the soil to increase its calcium content. Crushed eggshells can be added to the soil at any point during the growing season, but it is best to add them before planting to give them time to decompose and release their nutrients. Eggshells can also be added to compost piles to help create nutrient-rich soil for your tomato plants.

Use of calcium-rich fertilizers

Adding calcium-rich fertilizers like fish bone meal or rock phosphate to the soil can help supplement the soil's calcium levels over the growing season. These fertilizers can be added to the soil during planting or as a top dressing throughout the season. Be sure to follow the product instructions and not over-apply the fertilizers as this can lead to mineral imbalances and plant damage.

Conclusion

Incorporating calcium into your tomato plant's growing regimen can help improve their growth and yield. Whether it's by adding organic matter to the soil, foliar feeding, adding eggshells, or using calcium-rich fertilizers, there are several ways to get calcium into your tomato plants. With a little bit of effort and consistent care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of healthy and delicious tomatoes.