There was recently a good thread on epsom salt right here, take a look at it and see what you think.

I think the major thing you don't mention is the application of Copper or other fungicides to control mold. From what I gather that is the most common treatment others are using here.

In containers, a time releasing fertilizer with micro-nutrients seems like a good addition to scatter around the sub-surface for plants that receive rain (uncovered). Maybe covered too.

There was also a thread on eggshells and I have a strong opinion on that, but better you get the group's comments on feeding calcium using eggshells, since I'd say it is too little too late unless you get drastic.

On the pruning, I prune as little as possible but that doesn't mean I don't prune a whole lot for when any disease, especially leaf mold, appears in the lower leaves. Luckily things can grow rampantly here in the hot and humid environment to replace some of that, but then I have to go reaching on tippy toes in awkward positions to do the harvest. My main plants are already 8 feet tall.

Covering is related to the foliar diseases and my main plants are covered in a tall hoop. Unfortunately the hoop does more damage sometimes by maintaining a more humid environment in the 98% humidity nights in the low 70's F which is the optimal condition for leaf mold, so it is more diligence and a lot of luck here.

PC

Thanks for the cross-links there, P.C.! I guess once you get to a certain point every tomato topic will have been discussed at least once. Hope my repetitiveness is not frowned upon :)

I appreciate the mention of the copper sprays... honestly something I had not heard about until now. Going to have to read up on that topic after I peruse the old posts.

Also, the subject of EGGSHELL in its connection to Ca and BER has been debated more than anything else. So it is quite evident that adding it to soil in mid season is not going to result in Ca++, available to plants.Actually, most BER cases disappear by mid (harvest) season.

Sey



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What I have distilled from reading about eggshell is that if you actually grind it into a fine powder in the blender, it might be useful -- but probably not in the year you apply it. A real long term thing. Shells that are merely crushed would be nowhere near as effective. Some people do say you can use vinegar, make a tea, etc. but I think if I were facing BER I would use a fert with Calcium Nitrate instead. This year I'm using Texas Tomato Food, which includes that. And it's awesome :)

Epsom Salts supplies magnesium, which is helpful if your soil is deficient, but probably useless if it isn't. Soil test would tell this.

General fertilizing is great. My neighbors didn't fertilize their tomatoes last year and the difference was pretty astonishing. (One just isn't that sophisticated, the other told me "the soil is naturally fertile." She was using potting soil.) This year, they are thinking about fertilizing LOL. Since dry takes time to break down I might use more solubles at season's end. Using a high N fert is not conducive to bloom but it doesn't sound like you've had problems with that.