How to Increase Calcium for Tomato Plants

Tomatoes are a favorite crop for home gardeners, but they require proper care and nutrition in order to produce a bountiful harvest. One key nutrient for tomatoes is calcium, which helps to build strong cell walls, prevent blossom-end rot, and increase yield. In this article, we’ll explore how to increase calcium for tomato plants and ensure a healthy crop.

Soil Preparation

Before planting your tomato seedlings, it’s important to prepare the soil properly. Calcium is more readily available to plants when the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is too acidic, you can add lime or wood ash to raise the pH. However, if your soil is already alkaline, you may need to add sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter, which can help to improve nutrient availability.

Consider Calcium-Based Fertilizers

If your soil doesn’t contain enough calcium, you can supplement with a calcium-based fertilizer. Some common options include gypsum, which is a naturally occurring mineral that contains calcium and sulfur, and calcium nitrate, which is a water-soluble fertilizer. When applying these fertilizers, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as over-application can result in toxicity and other negative effects.

Add Eggshells to the Soil

Eggshells are a great natural source of calcium, and they can be used to supplement your tomato plants. To do this, crush up the eggshells into small pieces and mix them into the soil around the base of the plants. The shells will slowly break down over time, releasing calcium into the soil. Additionally, eggshells can help to maintain soil pH and deter pests.

Use Fungicides Sparingly

Fungicides are often used to control diseases in tomato plants, but some types can negatively affect calcium uptake. Specifically, copper-based fungicides can be toxic to beneficial organisms in the soil that help to break down calcium and make it available to plants. If you need to use fungicides, choose products that are low in copper or find alternative methods for disease prevention, such as crop rotation or the use of resistant varieties.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can increase calcium for your tomato plants and ensure a healthy, productive crop. Remember to pay attention to soil preparation, consider calcium-based fertilizers, add eggshells to the soil, and use fungicides sparingly. With proper care and nutrition, your tomato plants will thrive and provide delicious fruit all season long.