To obtain a bountiful harvest of tomatoes, it is important to feed them in a timely manner. A variety of remedies are used, including baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). This substance, in addition to activating the development of plants, additionally provides protection against pathogenic microorganisms.
I recommend reading: Feeding strawberries: revealing the secrets of a rich harvest
Application methods
Baking soda is used at different stages of tomato development. This product is suitable for root dressing and spraying of plants.
Disinfection of soil and seeds
Soda is a well-known antiseptic. It allows you to disinfect the seed. For this purpose, take 5 g of sodium bicarbonate. Dissolve without residue in 500 ml of water settled at room conditions. The seeds are immersed for 2-3 hours. After that, the grains are washed with slightly warmed water. Spread on a thick napkin. The dried seeds are ready for planting.
For 2-3 days before the planned movement of seedlings to the prepared beds, the soil is disinfected. For this purpose, 35 g of baking soda are diluted in a 10-liter container with water. The earth is spilled profusely.
From pests, diseases
Young tomato plantings can be affected by midges, ticks and other harmful insects. Diseases dangerous to plants can develop - late blight, powdery mildew. It is recommended 14-15 days after the seedlings are moved to the ridges, to carry out the treatment with the following compositions:
- Dilute 150-175 g of sodium bicarbonate in 10 l of water. With vigorous stirring, add alkaline soap (50 g), crushed on a grater. The aerial part of the tomato bushes is irrigated.
- Take baking soda and copper sulfate powder on a 10-liter container of water - 30 g each. Stir until the crystals disappear and spray the tomato plantings.
In order to prevent the development of a fungal infection in mid-May, tomato bushes are irrigated with a special solution. It is prepared from 100 g of baking soda diluted in 10 liters of water. With stirring, add a little potassium permanganate to obtain a light pink hue.
Top dressing
In order to obtain a good harvest of high-quality juicy tomatoes, a composition of 10 g of sodium bicarbonate dissolved in 5 liters of water slightly warmed in the sun is used. Pour 1 liter of nutrient fluid under each plant.
In July, practice 2 dressings with a 15-day interval. In August, a single soda solution is required. This procedure should be applied with an increased acidity of the soil.
Pharmaceutical iodine (8-10 drops) or potassium sulfate (25-30 g) can be added to the solution to improve performance.
Recommendations for use
When using soda, the recommended proportions should be observed when preparing the working solution in order to avoid damage to the leaves due to possible burns.
Processing rules:
- Practicing irrigation of the aboveground part of tomato bushes and carrying out root dressing, do not exceed a 5% concentration of the solution.
- For spraying, spray guns equipped with a fine spray are used. The procedure is recommended to be performed early in the morning.
- The interval between treatments should not be less than 10 days.
If, after soda irrigation on tomato bushes, the leaves begin to turn yellow and wither, it is necessary to cancel this remedy. The reason may be an alkaline reaction of the soil. A weakening of the development of plants is also observed when the dosage of the finished solution is exceeded.
Baking soda is included in the general feeding system. It does not replace basic fertilizers, but serves as one of the means to improve the development of tomatoes.
Do you find use of baking soda in your garden and vegetable garden?
Original articleand many other materials, you can find on ourwebsite.
Read also: How to say goodbye to ants in the garden