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Tomatenwissen

Plant health and strengthening

Vegetable broths are natural pesticides that can help keep tomato plants healthy. Here are some of the most common vegetable broths and how to use them.

Click on the respective broth/manure to find out more!

1. Nettle manure

As a spray or as an addition to irrigation water to strengthen and fertilize plants.

2. Field horsetail broth

Use as a spray to prevent and treat fungal diseases (e.g. mildew, blight)

3. Garlic broth

Use as a spray against fungal diseases and to repel pests such as aphids and whiteflies.

4. Onion skin broth

As a spray against fungal diseases and for general plant strengthening (see below).

6. Chamomile tea

Use undiluted as a spray against fungal diseases and to promote seed germination.


These herbal decoctions are a simple and effective way to keep tomato plants healthy and protected against diseases and pests. Please ensure that the decoctions are applied regularly and that the plants are monitored to be able to react to early problems.

Graphic "Did you know!"

  1. Use the different broths alternately to avoid overloading the plants and to provide them with a wide range of nutrients and protective substances.

  2. Do not mix herbal broths directly together, but use them separately at certain intervals. For example, you could use onion peel broth one week and nettle broth the next week.

  3. Pay attention to how your plants react to the different solutions. If they show signs of stress or over-fertilization, adjust the application accordingly.

Tomatenwissen

Nettle

Stinging nettles (Urtica dioica) are often considered a weed, but their use as a natural fertilizer and pesticide in gardening has proven extremely beneficial. For tomato plants in particular, nettle manure (a fermented extract of nettles) can promote plant health and increase yields.

Benefits of nettle manure

  1. Nutrient supply
    Nettles are rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium. These nutrients promote the growth and development of tomato plants and improve fruit formation.

  2. Strengthening plant growth
    By supplying plants with important nutrients, nettle manure strengthens plant growth and increases resistance to diseases and pests.

  3. Soil improvement
    Regular use of nettle manure can improve soil structure, increase microbial activity and promote the soil's water retention capacity.

  4. Natural pest control
    Nettle manure can repel pests such as aphids and spider mites. Its use reduces the need for chemical pesticides and promotes a healthy ecosystem in the garden.

Production of nettle manure

Making nettle manure is easy and requires only a few ingredients:

  • Fresh nettles

  • Water

  • A large container

  1. Collecting: Pick fresh nettles (preferably before flowering).

  2. Chopping: Roughly chop the nettles.

  3. Mixing: Put the nettles in a large container and fill it with water. Use a mixing ratio of about 1 kilogram of nettles to 10 liters of water.

  4. Fermentation: Allow the mixture to ferment for about 1-2 weeks. Stir daily to encourage the fermentation process.

  5. Filtering: Filter the liquid to remove the solids. The remaining liquid is the nettle manure.

Application of nettle manure

Nettle manure should always be used diluted , as concentrated form can be too strong for the plants. The following table shows the recommended mixing ratios:




Table Mixing ratio of nettle manure
Graphic "Conclusion"

Using nettle manure is an effective, environmentally friendly way to promote the health and growth of tomato plants. When used correctly, it can improve plant health.

Here you can download the PDF on the subject of nettles.

Tomatenwissen

Field horsetail

Horsetail, also known as shave grass, is a plant with remarkable properties that is valued not only in herbal medicine but also in horticulture. Particularly in tomato cultivation, horsetail can make an important contribution to the health and vitality of the plants. In this article, we take a look at the benefits of horsetail for tomato plants, the right time for harvesting, and provide a mixing ratio for making a horsetail decoction.

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The Importance of Horsetail for Tomato Plants

Horsetail contains a high concentration of silica, which is extremely beneficial for plants. Silica strengthens the plant cell walls, thereby improving their resistance to diseases and pests. By using horsetail decoction, tomato plants can become more resistant to fungal diseases, such as the dreaded blight. Additionally, silica promotes the growth of stronger plants and supports fruiting.

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The Right Time to Harvest Horsetail

An important aspect of using horsetail in horticulture is the harvesting time. Horsetail should ideally be harvested by the end of June, as this is when the silica content in the plant is at its highest. After June, the silica content decreases, which reduces its effectiveness for plant health.

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Distinguishing Between Horsetail and Wood Horsetail

It is important to distinguish between field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) and wood horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum), as the two species have different characteristics and uses.

  • Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense):

    • Prefers dry, sandy soils, fields, and road edges.

    • The shoots are hollow with regular, sharp-edged rings.

    • Used in gardening and herbal medicine, especially for making decoctions to strengthen plants and combat diseases.

    • Contains a high concentration of silica, making it valuable for plant health.

  • Wood Horsetail (Equisetum sylvaticum):

    • Prefers moist, shady locations like forests, marshes, and waterfront areas.

    • The shoots are also hollow, but the rings are less pronounced and not as sharp as those of field horsetail.

    • Does not play a significant role in gardening or herbal medicine like field horsetail.

    • Also contains silica, but in lower concentrations than field horsetail.

Both types of horsetail contain silica and have similar properties, but field horsetail is the species most commonly used in gardening and for making decoctions for plants, due to its availability and specific characteristics. When collecting horsetail, it is important to identify the correct species to avoid confusion and achieve the desired results.

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Making Horsetail Decoction

Making horsetail decoction is simple and requires only a few steps:

  1. Harvesting: Collect fresh horsetail by the end of June—300 grams of fresh or 30 grams of dried horsetail.

  2. Chopping: Cut the horsetail into small pieces to increase the surface area.

  3. Soaking: Place the chopped horsetail in a large pot and cover it with 2 liters of water (horsetail to water ratio), allowing it to soak for 24 hours.

  4. Simmering: Bring the water to a boil and let the horsetail simmer for about 30 minutes.

  5. Straining: Strain the liquid through a fine sieve or cloth to remove solid particles.

  6. Storage: Pour the liquid into clean bottles or containers and store it in a cool, dark place.

Applying Horsetail Decoction

Horsetail decoction can be used both as a foliar spray and as a soil treatment.

  • Foliar Spray: Spray the decoction evenly on the leaves, making sure to wet both the top and bottom sides of the leaves.

  • Soil Treatment: Pour the decoction directly around the base of the tomato plants to reach the roots.

For preventive measures, an application every two weeks is sufficient, while for acute problems, a weekly application is recommended. For general plant strengthening, the decoction can be applied monthly.

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Here is a table with the mixing ratio of horsetail decoction to water for optimal application:

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1:10 (1 part decoction to 10 parts water)For general plant care and prevention

1:5 (1 part decoction to 5 parts water)For more serious fungal problems or acute issues

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This table ensures proper dilution for optimal effectiveness in promoting plant health.

Ackerschachtelhalm

Ackerschachtelhalm

Merkmale: Triebe sind hohl und haben regelmäßige, scharfkantige Ringe

Waldschachtelhalm

Waldschachtelhalm

Merkmal: Triebe sind ebenfalls hohl, aber die Ringe sind weniger ausgeprägt und weniger scharfkantig als beim Ackerschachtelhalm

Unterschied Ackerschachtelhalm_Waldschachtehalm

Unterschied Ackerschachtelhalm_Waldschachtehalm

Hier sieht man deutliche den Unterschied zwischen dem Ackerschachtelhalm (links) und dem Waldschachtelhalm (rechts).

Bottle for foliar spray application
Table Mixing ratio of field horsetail
Graphic "Conclusion"

Horsetail is a natural and effective way to promote the health and vitality of tomato plants. With its rich source of silica, it strengthens the plants and helps to ward off diseases. However, you should make sure to harvest at the right time by the end of June to benefit from the full effectiveness. By regularly using horsetail broth, you can keep your tomato plants healthy and productive without the use of chemicals.

Here you can download the PDF on the subject of field horsetail.

Tomatenwissen

Garlic

Garlic is not only an essential spice in the kitchen, but it is also an effective way to promote the health of your tomato plants in the garden. From repelling pests to boosting the immune system, garlic offers a variety of benefits for tomatoes.

Natural pest control

Garlic is known for its repelling properties against a variety of pests that can attack tomatoes. The sulfur compounds it contains act as natural insecticides and can keep pests such as aphids, whiteflies and caterpillars away. Garlic is also effective against fungal diseases such as mildew and brown rot.

Strengthening the immune system

The antioxidants and sulfur compounds contained in garlic strengthen the immune defenses of tomato plants. They help the plants to better fight diseases and stress, resulting in healthier and more resilient tomatoes.

Promoting growth

Garlic contains natural growth promoters that can stimulate root growth. Strong and healthy roots are crucial for nutrient absorption and growth of the entire plant. Using garlic can help support the growth of tomato plants.

Making the garlic broth

An easy way to reap the benefits of garlic is to make a garlic broth that is applied as an undiluted spray.

Ingredients:

  • 10 garlic cloves or 100 grams of garlic cloves

  • 1 litre of water

  • Spray bottle

Directions:

  1. Peel the garlic cloves and chop coarsely.

  2. Put the crushed garlic cloves in 1 liter of water and let the mixture stand overnight.

  3. The next day, strain the mixture to remove any solid particles.

  4. Pour the garlic broth into a spray bottle.

Application

  • Spray the garlic broth undiluted onto the leaves and soil around the tomato plants (especially the undersides of the leaves, where pests like to hide).

  • Repeat the application every 1-2 weeks or after rainfall.

With this simple but effective method, you can protect your tomato plants naturally and promote their growth without having to resort to chemicals.

Here you can download the PDF on the subject of garlic.

Tomatenwissen

Onion

Onion Skin Decoction is a versatile, natural remedy that many gardeners use to promote the health and growth of their plants. In particular, tomato plants can benefit from the ingredients and properties of onion skin decoction. Here are some key points and benefits of using onion skin decoction in tomato cultivation.

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Benefits of Onion Skin Decoction for Tomato Plants

  • Nutrient-Rich Decoction
    Onion skins contain important nutrients such as sulfur, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for plant growth and contribute to the overall health of tomato plants.

  • Natural Fertilizer
    The nutrients in onion skin decoction act as a natural fertilizer. They can enrich the soil and improve the availability of nutrients for tomato plants, leading to stronger and healthier plants.

  • Pest Control
    The smell and compounds in onion skins can act as a natural repellent against certain pests. Insects like aphids and spider mites are deterred by the strong onion odor, protecting the plants from infestations.

  • Fungicidal Properties
    Onions contain compounds with antifungal properties, which can help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or blight. This reduces the risk of diseases that could damage the tomato harvest.

  • Plant Strengthening
    Regular use of onion skin decoction can make tomato plants more resilient to stress factors such as drought, extreme temperatures, and pests. This results in a sturdier plant with better fruit quality.

Making Onion Skin Decoction

Making onion skin decoction is simple and requires just a few ingredients and steps:

Ingredients:

  • Onion skins from about 3-4 onions

  • 1 liter of water

Instructions:

  1. Collect the onion skins and place them in a pot.

  2. Add 1 liter of water and bring the mixture to a boil.

  3. Let the decoction simmer for about 30 minutes to allow the nutrients and active compounds to be released from the skins.

  4. Allow the decoction to cool, then strain the liquid to remove the skins.

  5. Dilute the decoction in a 1:10 ratio (one cup of decoction to ten cups of water) and use it as watering liquid for your tomato plants.

Application in the Garden

The application of onion skin decoction is easy and can be integrated into the regular care cycle for tomato plants:

  • Watering
    Use the diluted decoction once a week as watering liquid. This helps to continuously provide nutrients to the plants and protects them from pests and diseases.

  • Foliar Spray
    The diluted decoction can also be used as a foliar spray to treat the leaves directly. This is especially useful for repelling pests and preventing fungal diseases.

Here is a table with the mixing ratio of onion skin decoction to water for optimal application:

​

1:10 (1 part decoction to 10 parts water)For regular watering and pest prevention

1:5 (1 part decoction to 5 parts water)For more concentrated treatment of pests or diseases

​

This table ensures proper dilution for the best results in supporting plant health and growth.

Here you can download the PDF on the topic of onions.

Table Mixing ratio onion
Tomatenwissen

chamomile

Chamomile Tea has several positive effects on plant health, especially for tomatoes.

Antifungal Properties.

​

Chamomile tea contains natural antioxidants and essential oils that have antifungal properties. This can help combat fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and blight, which commonly affect tomato plants.

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Antibacterial Effects

Chamomile tea also has antibacterial properties that can help prevent or reduce bacterial diseases in tomatoes.

​

Promoting Growth

Chamomile tea can act as a gentle fertilizer, providing essential nutrients like potassium that promote tomato plant growth.

​

Soothing and Strengthening the Plants

The flavonoids and terpenoids found in chamomile have soothing effects and strengthen the plant against stress factors like drought or extreme temperatures.

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Synergy with Other Natural Remedies

  • Combination with Garlic or Onion Tea
    These teas have strong antimicrobial properties and can be used together with chamomile tea to create a stronger effect against diseases and pests.

  • Use with Compost Tea
    Compost tea provides a high number of beneficial microorganisms, and when combined with chamomile tea, it can enhance the overall effects on plant health. You can learn how to make compost tea HERE.

How to Make Chamomile Tea for Plants

Ingredients:

  • Dried chamomile flowers or chamomile tea bags (preferably organic)

  • Water

Instructions:

  1. Boil the water: Bring 1 liter of water to a boil.

  2. Add the chamomile:

    • If using chamomile tea bags, use 2–3 tea bags.

    • If using dried chamomile flowers, use about 2–3 tablespoons.

  3. Steep the tea: Pour the boiling water over the tea bags or dried flowers.

  4. Let it steep: Allow the tea to steep for at least 15–20 minutes to make it strong enough.

  5. Cool down: Let the chamomile tea cool completely.

  6. Strain: If using dried chamomile flowers, strain the tea through a fine sieve to remove the flower residue.

How to Apply Chamomile Tea to Tomatoes

  • Leaf Spray
    First, prepare a strong chamomile tea (using more tea bags or loose chamomile flowers) and let it cool. Then, pour the tea into a spray bottle and spray the leaves of your tomato plants. This can help prevent fungal and bacterial infections.

  • Soil Irrigation
    You can also pour chamomile tea directly into the soil. This helps promote root health and may reduce soil-borne diseases.

Other Uses

  • Seed Treatment
    Soaking tomato seeds in chamomile tea before planting can improve germination and protect the young plants from diseases.

  • Use for Seedlings
    Chamomile tea can be particularly helpful for young seedlings, giving them a good start.

Practical Tips

  • Frequency of Application
    Chamomile tea can be applied weekly or as needed, especially after rain or when signs of disease appear.

  • Concentration
    A weak solution (one tea bag per liter of water) can be used for regular applications, while a stronger solution (two to three tea bags per liter of water) can be helpful for acute disease outbreaks.

  • Storage and Freshness
    Only prepare as much chamomile tea as you can use in a day. Fresh tea is more effective than stored tea.

Here you can download the PDF on the topic of chamomile.

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