How Many Tums per Tomato Plant

Tomatoes are one of the most popular garden plants in the world. They are easy to grow, versatile in the kitchen, and generally a healthy addition to any diet. However, like any plant, tomatoes can suffer from a variety of ailments that can reduce their yield and quality. One such problem is blossom end rot, a condition that causes black, sunken patches on the bottom of ripe tomatoes. One remedy that some gardeners swear by is the use of Tums calcium supplements as a way to prevent or treat blossom end rot. But how many Tums per tomato plant is enough?

The Science behind Blossom End Rot

Blossom end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the developing fruits of the tomato plant. Calcium is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, and it plays an especially important role in the development of strong cell walls. Without adequate calcium, the cells begin to break down, leading to the characteristic black, sunken lesions on the tomato fruit. Soil that is too acidic or too alkaline can also interfere with the plant's ability to take up calcium.

The Role of Tums in Preventing Blossom End Rot

In theory, Tums can help prevent blossom end rot by providing an easily accessible source of calcium to the tomato plant. Tums are a type of antacid that contains calcium carbonate, which is a common form of calcium supplement. When dissolved in water and applied to the soil, the calcium in the Tums can be taken up by the roots of the tomato plant and used to strengthen the cell walls of the developing fruits.

How Much Tums to Use

The amount of Tums to use per tomato plant depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the plant, the soil conditions, and the severity of the blossom end rot. As a general rule, most gardeners recommend using one to three Tums per tomato plant per week. The Tums can be crushed and dissolved in water before being applied to the soil, or they can be added directly to the planting hole when the tomato is first planted.

It is important to remember that Tums should not be used as a substitute for good soil management practices. If your soil is too acidic or too alkaline, adding Tums alone may not be enough to prevent blossom end rot. You may need to adjust the pH of your soil using lime or other soil amendments in addition to using Tums.

Other Tips for Preventing Blossom End Rot

In addition to using Tums, there are several other things you can do to prevent blossom end rot in your tomato plants:

Make sure your soil is well-drained and has adequate organic matter.

Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can interfere with calcium uptake.

Water your tomatoes consistently and deeply, especially during periods of drought.

Use mulch to help regulate soil moisture and temperature.

By following these tips and using Tums as a supplement, you can reduce the risk of blossom end rot in your tomato plants and enjoy a healthy, abundant harvest!