How to use Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes

Bordeaux mixture is well known and loved by gardeners and truck farmers. They have been using it for more than 100 years. For the first time this substance was used to combat fungal diseases of grapes. However, for many years it has proved to be a very successful tool for processing a large number of other crops. In particular, the Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes is used.

When a Bordeaux mixture is used

It happens that the bushes of tomatoes of different varieties begin to dry from the root and rot. This happens often before the plant has managed to gain 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 the Bordeaux mixture for tomatoes. This tool refers to fungicides - drugs that are used to combat fungal diseases of various crops. They cultivate vineyards, fruit trees (for example, apples and pears), vegetables and ornamental plants. From vegetable crops, a Bordeaux mixture is used for tomatoes, cucumbers and many 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 the Bordeaux liquid is practically not stored, it is better to acquire it in the form of constituent components and dilute independently.

How to make a Bordeaux mixture

The composition of this substance includes two components: copper sulphate and hydrated lime. The secret of cooking is that they must be diluted in water separately, and to be joined together as a solution. Typically, a Bordeaux mixture is used for tomatoes at a concentration of 1% or even less (0.5 or 0, 75 percent). To prepare a one-percent solution in an amount of 10 liters, take 100 grams of copper sulfate and a little more lime (about 150 grams). This is necessary to ensure that the resulting mixture does not give an acid reaction, which is characteristic of vitriol. Copper vitriol is dissolved in a small amount of warm water (about a liter), then add water, so that the total volume of the liquid is 5 liters. In another tank, lime is dissolved in 5 liters of water, the so-called lime milk is obtained. The dishes can only be used glass or plastic, metal does not fit. Further, in a solution of lime, a dissolved vitriol is poured 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 the store, an instruction is attached to it, explaining how to dilute the Bordeaux mixture. It is also advised to check the resulting solution for acidity. The fact is that such a liquid reaction can spoil plant leaves. Therefore, in a liquid for 3 - 4 minutes, lower the nail. If it is 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 garden on which the tomato bushes are planted, at the first signs of the disease. Use from 5 to 10 liters per 100 square meters. It is recommended to repeat the treatment again after about 10 or 15 days. The maximum number of treatments per season should not be more than four.

We must not forget that the Bordeaux mixture is a poison for humans and animals. Therefore, it is necessary to use protective agents (gloves), to wash hands and face thoroughly. Before eating, the fruit should be thoroughly washed, and the greens sprayed shrubs can not be given to feed cattle.