How to Get Calcium to Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are rich in nutrients and vitamins, including calcium, an essential mineral that helps plants grow and develop properly. Calcium also prevents diseases such as blossom end rot, which can damage tomato plants and reduce their productivity. Here are some ways you can get calcium to your tomato plants for healthy growth and yield.

1. Use Calcium-Rich Fertilizers

Choosing the right fertilizer is crucial to providing your tomato plants with enough calcium. You can use organic or inorganic fertilizers, but make sure they have a high calcium content. Look for fertilizers that specifically mention calcium on their label, or choose a complete fertilizer that has all the necessary nutrients, including calcium.

Some good examples of calcium-rich fertilizers are gypsum, lime, bone meal, and eggshells. Gypsum can be mixed into the soil or sprinkled on top of the plants, while lime should be applied to the soil several weeks before planting. Bone meal and eggshells can be mixed into the soil or compost pile to enrich the soil with calcium.

2. Add Calcium Supplements

If your soil is deficient in calcium, you may need to add calcium supplements to your tomato plants. There are several ways to do this:

Calcium nitrate can be dissolved in water and sprayed on the plants.

Calcium chloride can be added to the soil or mixed in with the fertilizer.

Calcium carbonate can be added to the soil a few weeks before planting or mixed in with the fertilizer.

It's important to follow the instructions on the supplement label and not to overapply, as too much calcium can also harm the plants. In general, calcium supplements should be used sparingly and only when necessary.

3. Use Calcium-Rich Water

The water you use to hydrate your tomato plants can also affect their calcium intake. Hard water, which has high calcium levels, is beneficial for tomato plants, as it provides a source of calcium without having to add supplements or fertilizers. Conversely, soft water, which has low calcium levels, may require you to add supplements or fertilizers to provide enough calcium for your plants.

You can test the hardness of your water by using a water hardness test kit. If your water is soft, you can add a small amount of calcium chloride to raise the calcium levels. If you have hard water, you don't need to add supplements, but you should monitor the water pH, as hard water can be alkaline and affect the soil pH.

4. Mulch the Soil

Another way to get calcium to your tomato plants is to mulch the soil. Mulching helps retain moisture in the soil and prevents soil erosion. It can also add nutrients to the soil, including calcium. You can use organic or inorganic materials for mulching, such as straw, leaves, grass clippings, or plastic mulch film.

When using organic materials, make sure they are decomposed or partially decomposed, as fresh mulch can take nitrogen from the soil and harm the plants. Inorganic materials, such as plastic mulch film, can prevent the soil from absorbing water and nutrients, so make sure you use them properly.

Final Thoughts

Tomato plants need calcium to grow strong and healthy. By using calcium-rich fertilizers, supplements, water, and mulch, you can ensure that your tomato plants get enough calcium to develop properly and produce a bountiful harvest.