Tomatoes are one of the most popular and healthy vegetable crops grown by many gardeners.
However, to get a good tomato harvest, it is necessary not only to provide them with sufficient light, heat and moisture, but also to protect them from various diseases and pests.
One of the most common problems tomato growers face is blossom end rot.
This is a disease in which dark spots appear on the fruit, which gradually spread and lead to rotting and crop loss.
Blossom end rot is caused by a lack of calcium in the soil or plant, as well as changes in temperature and humidity.
How to Fight Blossom End Rot and Improve Tomato Growth and Development
It turns out that there is a simple and affordable remedy for this - citric acid.
Citric acid is an organic acid found in lemons and other citrus fruits. It has a number of beneficial properties for plants.
• When the soil becomes more acidic due to citric acid, it is easier for plants to obtain calcium and other nutrients.
• Citric acid stimulates the growth and development of the root system, strengthens stems and leaves, increases the number of flowers and ovaries.
• Citric acid increases immunity and plant resistance to disease and stress, has an antiseptic and antifungal effect.
• Citric acid improves the taste and quality of fruits, makes them juicy, aromatic and sweet.
How to use citric acid for tomatoes? To do this, you need to prepare a solution of citric acid and water. The solution recipe may vary depending on the purpose of use.
• To prevent blossom-end rot, dissolve 2 teaspoons of citric acid in 10 liters of water. Spray the plants with this solution every 10-14 days from the beginning of flowering until the fruit ripens.
• To feed tomatoes, dissolve 1 teaspoon of citric acid in 10 liters of water. Water the plants at the roots once a month from May to August with this solution. This feeding will enhance the growth and development of tomatoes, increase their yield and quality.
• To marinate tomatoes, dissolve 2 tablespoons of citric acid in 1 liter of water. Pour this solution over the tomatoes in sterilized jars, adding sugar, salt, garlic, bay leaf, pepper and parsley to taste. Roll up the jars and store in a cool place. Such tomatoes have a pleasant sweet and sour taste and are stored for a long time.
