From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Lebanon, Oregon

Brandon, I saw your post regarding boron deficiencies. My tomatoes used to always grow the scabbing ring around the stem, plus separate from the stem. My garden when tested was low in boron. Every spring now I sprinkle Borax (just a tiny amount) across my garden. I haven’t seen one tomato with that messed up stem area since. I am sure there are others on this board that have this issues.

8/17/2020 4:41:19 PM

Grittyville, WA

Haifa Chemical Co. has an extensive crop guide to growing tomatoes... and other crops. I am sure there are other reputable sources out there, such as our agricultural universities. Most of us are just hobbyists here but we can become become experts if we are not afraid to learn from the experts.

8/17/2020 5:53:57 PM

Agreed. This year, I am really reading up and digging into your diaries. My favorite, is learning from Minnie Zaccaria. Longtime female grower challenging the giant tomato world. Of course, books by Gordon Graham and Marv. I have learned the hard way, soil testing is critical and must be a first priority.

8/17/2020 7:05:24 PM

Eastern Shore of VA

G.Kins is right.
Haifa does have great info on tomatoes.

8/17/2020 8:27:06 PM

Central NY

Just remember boron is one of those you don’t want to put down Willy nilly. Know ur numbers.

8/18/2020 10:57:07 AM

Agreed. Soil test really helps.

8/18/2020 10:54:33 PM

Bloomington, IN USA

You need to know your Boron level but recognize that B is nearly as mobile as N. Since I have been doing soil testing I have had to add B every year.
I am adding some B to the AGs because of low B on tissue test. Probably should do this with the tomatoes too.

8/23/2020 3:23:48 PM