Q.tomatoes and soil
My garden soil has a neutral pH. My neighbor, who is about 91 and has 3 green thumbs, told me to use copper for my tomatoes. It is hard to understand him, as he mostly speaks Italian and though I am Italian my command of the language requires me to interject my own words.
He uses copper for his tomatoes. I believe it is a powder, but I could be wrong. His tomatoes are incredible, both in health of the plant, leaves and fruit. I do fertilize. I will add over winter nitrogen and phosphate. I will also fertilize during the growing season.
Can you offer some insight and/or advice in regards to using copper? Is it something I should put into the soil or on the plant directly? Can you advise on a product and where I can purchase? Typically, I purchase my seeds from Burpee (Sure you have heard of them), but have never seen copper on their site or other seed companies.
Thank you for your help,
David (Pucci)
How wonderful to have a seasoned gardener to watch and learn from!
With that said, I would recommend a soil test prior to adding or amending the garden.
Keep in mind some of the basics of soil rotation, good organic loamy soil, full sun and watering techniques for success with tomatoes.
Over fertilizing can lead to large leafy plants and little or no fruit.
Copper is a valuable micro nutrient generally naturally occurring in the soil.
It along with many other nutrients are needed for happy, healthy and producing garden plants.
Here are some great links to give you more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tomato-fertilizer.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/growing-tomatoes-guide.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/watering-tomato-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tips-for-growing-tomatoes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/calcium-fertilizer.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/copper-for-the-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-copper-in-gardening.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/macro-and-micro-elements.htm
