Baking soda for tomatoes - Ask Extension
I was reading an article suggesting sprinkling baking soda around the base of tomato plants when planting, and later in the summer spray them once or ...
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Baking soda for tomatoes #795202
Asked June 10, 2022, 6:56 AM EDT
I was reading an article suggesting sprinkling baking soda around the base of tomato plants when planting, and later in the summer spray them once or twice a week (it states both) with a baking soda solution, especially after a rain. Supposedly this helps prevent fungal diseases by altering the pH of the soil. I know we are not supposed to use a product in the garden that is not specifically labeled for a particular use, so am wondering what MGs would say to this recommendation. Thanks! Here is the site I was reading:
https://growingtomatoes.website/2020/01/28/what-does-baking-soda-do-for-tomato-plants/
Marion County Ohio
Expert Response
Using baking soda is an interesting concept as baking soda does neutralize the soil, but most early blights are viral and there is no scientific evidence that altering the PH will alter the outcome of a viral disease. I asked my extension officer and he did not think it would " hurt" your plants, but doubted if the virus is in your soil it will stop the infection.
I am enclosing an article from OSU fact sheet that might give you some better ideas for managing this disease.
Personally, I have had to stop growing heirlooms as they do not have some of the disease resistance that have been developed in the hybrid for prevention.
Keep a good air flow in your plants by spreading them out, and suckering.
Place hay on the soil around the plants to keep the soil from splashing the foliage and remove and leaves near the soil at the time of planting.
Rotation is also a very important management plan.
Copper spray after rain and as the humidity builds up, is a known fungicide that is considered by many experts to help reduce the fungus.
Lastly, the healthier your plants the faster they grow and frequently even with blight they can produce well.
Good luck in managing this disease. I hope you still have a bumper crop.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-3314
I am enclosing an article from OSU fact sheet that might give you some better ideas for managing this disease.
Personally, I have had to stop growing heirlooms as they do not have some of the disease resistance that have been developed in the hybrid for prevention.
Keep a good air flow in your plants by spreading them out, and suckering.
Place hay on the soil around the plants to keep the soil from splashing the foliage and remove and leaves near the soil at the time of planting.
Rotation is also a very important management plan.
Copper spray after rain and as the humidity builds up, is a known fungicide that is considered by many experts to help reduce the fungus.
Lastly, the healthier your plants the faster they grow and frequently even with blight they can produce well.
Good luck in managing this disease. I hope you still have a bumper crop.
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-3314
