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President - GPC

From a previous post on Soil Balance.....What is the best PH for tomatoe growth? My soil PH was 7.0 next to the tomatoe gardern.....I do experience some blossom end rot even growing several different types over many years. I was thinkin perhaps a watering problem but maybe it is soil balance........ Additionally.....what is the benefit of adding Epsom Salts to the tomatoe hole before planting? My mom does this and it seems to pay off big bennies in her plants. Please Advise

5/11/2006 9:32:55 AM

Follansbee, Wv

I try to keep my tomato patch around 6.5 for pH. Your blossom end rot could be caused by several things. A low calcium level in the soil can cause it. Also, uneven watering can cause problems. If the plants dry out too much calcium is reduced. Do you fertilize with Ammoniacal nitrogen? If so, the ammonium ions can compete with calcium ions, reducing the calcium uptake. Remember not to fertilize during the early fruiting stages.
As for epsom salts, the magnesium sulfate helps leach salts from the soil (some of which can compete with calcium). Also the magnesium boost can be a benefit. Just be careful with it, a little is good, a lot is toxic to the plants.

5/11/2006 5:51:50 PM

West By God Virginia

I agree with Monty (not that anyone asked LOL). Magnesium Sulfate is more readily available to plants as a foliar spray. Of course you could buy some Dunkel's Original Tomato Plant Fortifier. :o)

5/12/2006 8:51:24 AM

President - GPC

Last year I used Osmocote, this year Im planning or Algoflash, heard some good reviews on it and wanting to try it, They will also get a few sprayings of the AgroK program along with the seaweed as expermentation, of course in moderation. OK?

5/12/2006 4:12:13 PM