Question
hi my question is when you spray epsom salt on tomato plants do you do this once or how often?also what can i do to try to minimize the effects of chemicals in city water on my tomatoes.i live in norfolk va.

Answer
Epsom salts contains a high concentration of magnesium, which in turn aids a plant's root system in absorbing other nutrients, especially hard-to-absorb nutrients such as calcium. On tomatoes, this often prevents blossom-end rot, the black spot that forms on the bottom of early tomatoes.

I recommend spraying tomatoes and rose bushes once every 10-12 days. Dissolve 3 tsp. per gallon of water and spray generously.

In regard to chemicals in the water, some gardeners collect rain water in a barrell by placing it beneath their downspouts. Others use tap water stored in 5 gallon buckets and aged for three or more days. Most of the chemicals will dissipate in that time.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike