Are household items like baking soda effective for tomato care?

Home remedies provide rapid solutions, yet there are constraints for successful tomato programs. Baking soda creates an alkaline surface that inhibits the growth of fungal spores. Eggshells will slowly break down and release calcium over several months. Coffee grounds can supplement nitrogen in the soil, but they need to be composted first. These are all ineffective solutions, but make good supplements.

Baking soda serves as a preventative measure, and not a cure. If humid conditions persist, spray the leaves weekly. Baking soda raises the pH level and creates an environment that is hostile to fungi. Once the disease has set in, use a copper-based fungicide. Do not, under any circumstances, apply baking soda to dry leaves; it will cause them to burn.

Eggshells take some time. I add crushed shells in the fall when making my beds. They break down slowly, releasing calcium for spring planting. Use liquid calcium or gypsum for instant blossom end rot. Soil tests avoid adding unnecessary calcium.

Coffee grounds should be composted first. Fresh grounds make the soil acidic, which inhibits growth. Add to brown materials in compost piles. Fully composted grounds have balanced nutrition. Apply approximately 1 inch (one handful) of material around the plant monthly for slow nitrogen release.

Emphasize the basics before taking shortcuts. Routinely water to avoid 90% of issues. A balanced fertilizer is better than just coffee grounds. Spacing well prevents disease better than using baking soda. Think of household items as supplements to good practices, not substitutes.

Read the full article: 8 Common Problems With Tomato Plants and Solutions