Making homemade blossom end rot spray is a cost-effective and easy solution to combat this common problem in tomato plants. By creating your own spray, you can ensure that it is free from any harmful chemicals and tailor it to your specific needs. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make your own homemade blossom end rot spray:
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon of calcium chloride
– 1 gallon of water
Instructions:
1. Start by obtaining calcium chloride, which is commonly used to melt ice in the winter. You can find it at your local hardware store or online. Make sure to get food-grade calcium chloride, as other types may contain impurities that can harm your plants.
2. Once you have the calcium chloride, mix 1 tablespoon of it with 1 gallon of water. It’s important to measure the ingredients accurately to maintain the proper concentration.
3. Stir the mixture well until the calcium chloride is completely dissolved in the water. This solution will be your homemade blossom end rot spray.
4. Transfer the mixture into a spray bottle or a garden sprayer for easy application. Make sure the container is clean and free from any residue to avoid clogging the nozzle.
5. Before using the spray, it’s crucial to test it on a small portion of one tomato plant to ensure there are no adverse effects. Spray a few leaves and wait for 24 hours to observe any signs of damage or sensitivity. If the plant shows no negative reaction, it’s safe to proceed with spraying the rest of the plants.
6. Apply the homemade blossom end rot spray to your tomato plants twice a week, focusing on the leaves. It’s important to start spraying when the tomatoes are still developing to prevent blossom end rot from occurring.
7. When applying the spray, make sure to cover the leaves thoroughly, ensuring that both the upper and lower surfaces are sprayed. This will ensure that the calcium chloride is absorbed by the plant effectively.
8. Continue to use the homemade spray until the blossom end rot is under control or eliminated. Regular and consistent application is key to preventing further occurrence of this condition.
It’s worth noting that while homemade blossom end rot spray can be effective in preventing and treating this issue, it’s also important to address the underlying causes. Blossom end rot is often caused by calcium deficiency or irregular watering. Ensure your plants receive adequate water, and consider adding calcium-rich amendments to the soil, such as crushed eggshells or agricultural lime.
Creating your own homemade blossom end rot spray is a simple and economical solution to combat this problem in tomato plants. By following the steps outlined above, you can make a spray using calcium chloride and water. Remember to test the spray on a small portion of a plant before applying it to the rest, and continue to use it regularly until the issue is resolved.
