How to use Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Bordeaux mixture is a well-known and beloved preparation by gardeners and gardeners. It has been used for over a hundred years. For the first time this substance was used to combat fungal diseases of grapes. However, over the years it has proven to be a very successful tool for processing a large number of other crops as well. In particular, Bordeaux mixture is used for tomatoes.

When Bordeaux mixture is used

It happens that tomato bushes of different varieties begin to dry from the very root and rot. This often happens before the plant has had time to pick fruit, as a result, you can completely lose the crop. This is a consequence of the disease, which is called late blight. To combat it, it is recommended to use copper preparations. Perhaps the most effective of them is just the Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes. This tool is referred to as fungicides - drugs that are used to combat fungal diseases of various cultivated plants. Vineyards, fruit trees (for example, apple and pear trees), vegetables and ornamental plants are treated with it. From vegetable crops, Bordeaux mixture is used for tomatoes, cucumbers andmany others. With its help, it is possible to get rid of such diseases of garden plants as macrosporiosis and late blight. Since the solution of Bordeaux liquid is practically not stored, it is better to purchase it in the form of constituent components and dilute it yourself.

How to make Bordeaux mixture

The composition of this substance includes two components: copper sulfate and slaked lime. The secret of preparation is that they must be diluted in water separately, and combined together already in the form of a solution. It is common to use Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes at a concentration of 1% or even less (0.5 or 0.75 percent). To prepare a one percent solution in the amount of 10 liters, take 100 grams of copper sulfate and a slightly larger amount of lime (about 150 grams). This is necessary so that the resulting mixture does not give an acid reaction, which is characteristic of vitriol. Copper sulfate is dissolved in a small amount of warm water (approximately one liter), then water is added so that the total volume of liquid is 5 liters. In another container, lime is dissolved in 5 liters of water, so-called milk of lime is obtained. Only glass or plastic dishes can be used, metal is not suitable. Next, dissolved vitriol is poured into the lime solution in a thin stream, stirring. The finished substance must be filtered and used immediately. The color of the mixture should be sky turquoise. If the substance is purchased in a store, instructions are attached to it explaining howdilute the Bordeaux mixture. It is also advised to check the resulting solution for acidity. The fact is that such a reaction of the liquid can ruin the leaves of plants. Therefore, a nail is lowered into the liquid for 3-4 minutes. If it becomes covered with a reddish coating, this indicates the presence of acid. Then you need to add a little more lime milk.

How to use Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes

The solution is sprayed on the bed on which the tomato bushes are planted, at the first sign of the disease. Use from 5 to 10 liters per 100 square meters. It is recommended to repeat the treatment again after approximately 10 or 15 days. The maximum number of treatments per season should not exceed four.

We must not forget that the Bordeaux mixture is poisonous to humans and animals. Therefore, it is necessary to use protective equipment (gloves), wash hands and face thoroughly. Before eating, the fruits must be thoroughly washed, and the greens of the sprayed bushes should not be fed to livestock.