Tomato plants need calcium for strong growth and healthy fruit production. You can feed your tomato plants calcium in a few ways:
1. Use Calcium-Rich Fertilizer
- Choose a fertilizer specifically formulated for tomatoes. These fertilizers often contain calcium in addition to other essential nutrients.
- Look for fertilizers with a higher percentage of calcium. You can find the percentage of calcium listed on the fertilizer packaging.
- Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the packaging. Over-fertilizing can harm your tomato plants.
2. Apply Calcium Supplements
- Calcium nitrate: This is a readily available and effective calcium supplement.
- Calcium sulfate: This is another good option, especially for soils that are low in sulfur.
- Apply calcium supplements according to the instructions on the packaging.
3. Use Calcium-Rich Soil Amendments
- Lime: This is a natural source of calcium that can be added to the soil.
- Gypsum: This is another natural source of calcium that can be added to the soil.
- Apply soil amendments according to the instructions on the packaging.
4. Foliar Feeding
- Spray a calcium solution directly onto the leaves of your tomato plants. This can help to quickly deliver calcium to the plants.
- Use a calcium nitrate solution or a commercial calcium foliar spray.
- Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct concentration and application frequency.
5. Prevent Calcium Deficiency
- Water your tomato plants regularly. Calcium is most readily absorbed by plants when the soil is moist.
- Avoid over-watering. Over-watering can lead to root problems that can hinder calcium uptake.
- Mulch around your tomato plants. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and regulate temperature.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your tomato plants have the calcium they need to grow strong and produce healthy fruit.
