How to Supply Calcium to Tomato Plants

Tomato plants require a variety of essential nutrients to thrive, including calcium. Properly supplying calcium to your tomato plants is important to keep them healthy and produce high yields. Lack of calcium can result in blossom end rot, which is a common problem for tomato growers. Here are some ways to ensure your tomato plants get enough calcium.

1. Soil Preparation

Soil preparation is the foundation for healthy tomato plants. Start by testing the soil for pH, and adjust it to a slightly acidic level of around 6.5 to 7. Calcium is less available in acidic soils, so keeping the pH within this range will ensure that your plants can absorb calcium from the soil effectively.

Additionally, you can amend the soil with dolomite lime or gypsum to increase the calcium content. Dolomite lime has a higher magnesium content, while gypsum is a more concentrated source of calcium. Both can be added to the soil before planting or as a top dressing throughout the growing season.

2. Fertilizers

Using fertilizers that contain calcium is another way to supply this essential nutrient to your tomato plants. There are several types of fertilizers that contain calcium, such as bone meal, fish bone meal, and crab meal. These fertilizers can be added to the soil before planting or as a top dressing later in the season.

It's important to note that excessive use of fertilizers can lead to calcium toxicity, which can damage the plant. Therefore, it's essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and use it sparingly.

3. Foliar Spray

Tomato plants can also absorb calcium through their leaves. Foliar sprays can be applied to the leaves to supply calcium directly to the plant. Calcium nitrate or calcium chloride can be used as a foliar spray. These sprays can also help mitigate calcium deficiency during the growing season.

When applying foliar sprays, it's essential to do it during the cooler part of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent leaf burn. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that the spray covers both the top and bottom of the leaves, as this is where the stomata are located.

4. Water Management

Proper water management is crucial to ensure that the tomato plants receive enough calcium. Overwatering can lead to a lack of oxygen in the soil, which can result in calcium deficiency. On the other hand, underwatering can lead to drought stress, which can also affect the plant's ability to absorb calcium from the soil.

To avoid these issues, ensure that the soil is well-drained and water the tomato plants when the top inch of soil is dry. This will prevent over or underwatering and allow the plant to absorb enough calcium from the soil.

Conclusion

Tomato plants require calcium to grow and produce healthy fruit. By focusing on soil preparation, using fertilizers, applying foliar sprays, and managing water effectively, you can supply the calcium that your tomato plants need to thrive. With proper calcium supply, your tomato plants will produce high yields, free from blossom end rot.