Although I am a a seasoned flower gardener, I am still learning  how to better grow vegetables. And while I can be a cottage gardener without growing vegetables, I aspire to be a better kitchen gardener, which, in my opinion, is planting flowers and vegetables together–side by side.

Jacki Kellum Kitchen Garden

In all honesty, I have been a kitchen gardener for years, but I recently moved back to Mississippi, and my tomatoes suffered from end rot. This year, I have determined to correct that issue, and I am following my trusty agricultre store owner’s advice. I am planting my tomatoes with Hi-Yield Calcium Nitrate.

I bought a variety of tomato plants that were sold in 4″ pots. It is still February–at least 6 weeks before I’ll plant my tomatoes outside. Therefore, I am repotting my plants in 3 gallon pots–I want to eat tomatoes from my garden as soon as possible, and I am giving them a great start.

I was told to sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of Calcium Nitrate beneath each tomato plant, and to allow plenty of dirt to separate the Calcium Nitrate from the tomatoes stem. Watering thoroughly is necessary, and a repeated application is indicated every 2 to 3 weeks. Watering thoroughly after every application is essential.

What Is End Rot in Tomatoes?

End Rot is tne Dark Gray or Black Blotch that Afflicts the Bottoms of Untreated Tomatoes.

Calcium Nitrate Should be Used when Planting Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Eggplants,