Growing tomatoes successfully can be both an art and a science. While there are standard practices that every gardener follows, such as ensuring proper sunlight and watering, there are also lesser-known secrets that can significantly enhance your tomato yield. These 'secret ingredients' can be the difference between a mediocre harvest and a bountiful one. 

In this article, we will explore ten such secret ingredients that many seasoned gardeners swear by. These ingredients are not only effective but also often found right at home or can be easily obtained. Incorporating them into your gardening routine could lead to a more fruitful and delicious tomato harvest.

1. Crushed Eggshells For Slow-Release Calcium

Eggshells are not just waste; they are a powerhouse of calcium, which is crucial for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes. To use eggshells, collect and rinse them thoroughly to remove any egg residue. Once dried, crush them into a fine powder using a blender or mortar and pestle. 

Incorporate about 1 cup of crushed eggshells into the soil around each tomato plant at the time of planting. This slow-release calcium will be gradually absorbed by the plant, strengthening cell walls and promoting healthy growth throughout the season.

2. Epsom Salt To Turbocharge Magnesium And Flavor

Epsom salt is a gardener's friend when it comes to providing magnesium, a vital nutrient that promotes photosynthesis and enhances fruit flavor. To apply, dissolve 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and apply this solution to the base of each plant every two weeks. 

This application not only aids in magnesium deficiency but also contributes to a sweeter and more robust tomato flavor. Tomatoes treated with Epsom salt often develop more vibrant colors and better overall health.

3. Aspirin Water To Boost Immunity And Yield

Aspirin contains salicylic acid, a compound that can mimic plant hormones and enhance a plant's immune response. By spraying aspirin water on your tomato plants, you can help them fend off diseases and increase their yield. 

To make aspirin water, dissolve one regular-strength aspirin (325 mg) in a gallon of water. Apply this solution every three weeks by spraying it onto the leaves. This treatment helps to stimulate systemic acquired resistance, making plants more resilient against pathogens.

4. Diluted Seaweed Extract For Micronutrient Power

Seaweed extract is rich in micronutrients and plant growth hormones that can significantly benefit tomato plants. To use, dilute seaweed extract according to the package instructions, typically around 1 ounce per gallon of water. 

Apply this solution as a foliar spray or soil drench every 2-4 weeks. The micronutrients found in seaweed, such as zinc and iron, help address deficiencies and promote vigorous, healthy plant growth.

5. Baking Soda Spray To Sweeten Fruit And Fight Fungus

Baking soda, commonly found in kitchens, can be a gardener's ally in controlling fungal diseases and improving tomato sweetness. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water and add a few drops of liquid soap to help it adhere to leaves. 

Spray this solution onto the leaves and around the base of the plants every 7-10 days. This treatment helps to alter the pH on the leaf surface, making it less hospitable for fungal pathogens. Additionally, the pH adjustment can lead to sweeter fruits over time.

6. Powdered Milk As An Unexpected Calcium Booster

Powdered milk is an excellent source of calcium and can be used as a quick fix for calcium deficiencies in tomatoes. Mix 1/4 cup of powdered milk into a gallon of water and apply this solution to the soil around the plants every two weeks. 

This method not only provides calcium but also offers a slight nitrogen boost, which can further encourage healthy plant growth. It's a simple yet effective way to supplement your plants' nutritional needs naturally.

7. Molasses To Feed Beneficial Soil Microbes

Molasses is rich in sugars and provides a carbon source for beneficial soil microbes, enhancing soil health and plant growth. To use molasses, dissolve 1 tablespoon in a gallon of water and apply it as a soil drench every few weeks. 

This application encourages microbial activity, which in turn improves nutrient availability and uptake by the plants. The healthier the soil, the more robust the tomato plants will be, leading to a more abundant harvest.

8. Crushed Banana Peels For Potassium-Rich Blooms

Banana peels are an excellent source of potassium, vital for flowering and fruiting stages in tomatoes. Collect banana peels, chop them into small pieces, and bury them around the base of your tomato plants. 

As the banana peels decompose, they release potassium and other trace elements into the soil. This slow-release method ensures your tomato plants receive a steady supply of nutrients, resulting in healthier blooms and fruit set.

9. Used Coffee Grounds To Acidify And Enrich Soil

Used coffee grounds are an effective way to improve soil acidity and add organic matter. Spread a thin layer of coffee grounds around your tomato plants, or mix them into the soil when planting. 

Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and can help lower soil pH slightly, which tomatoes prefer. Be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive coffee grounds can lead to overly acidic conditions. A light application every few weeks is sufficient to see the benefits.

10. Fish Emulsion For Rapid, Organic Growth

Fish emulsion is a potent organic fertilizer rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. To use fish emulsion, dilute it according to the package instructions, usually about 1 tablespoon per gallon of water. 

Apply this nutrient-rich solution every three weeks as a soil drench. The nutrients in fish emulsion are quickly absorbed by plants, promoting vigorous growth and increased fruit production. It's an excellent way to provide a natural, balanced nutrient boost throughout the growing season.

Proportion of Revenue by Funding Source

The table below labeled ‘Revenue by Source 2026’ shows the proportion of total revenue to be raised from each funding source in 2026. Property taxes form the second largest portion of revenues at 35%. They provide a stable and consistent source of revenues to pay for many services, such as police and fire fighting, which are difficult or undesirable to fund on a user-pay basis.

Fees and charges represent 22% of planned revenues. The most significant of these are water, sanitary sewer, drainage and solid waste user fees which are charged on a user-pay basis. This basis attempts to fairly apportion utility service costs to those you use these services.

Other revenue sources represent 43% of the budgeted revenue for 2026. They include sale of services, interest and penalties, government grants, contributions, pay parking, and building permit fees. These revenues fluctuate due to economic conditions and City initiatives, and in the case of government grants require approval by senior governments.

Distribution of Property Taxes Between Property Classes

The table below labeled ‘Property Tax Distribution 2026’ details the distribution of property tax revenue between property classes. The City’s primary goal is to set tax rates that are sufficient, after maximizing non-tax revenues, to provide for service delivery, city assets, and maintain tax stability. This is accomplished by maintaining the historical relationship between property classes and applying the same annual tax rate increase across all classes.

Use of Permissive Tax Exemptions

The City’s Annual Report contains a list of permissive exemptions granted for the year and the amount of property tax revenue foregone. Permissive tax exemptions are granted to not-for- profit institutions per City policy and include exemptions for religious institutions, service organizations, and cultural institutions, all which form a valuable part of our community. Each year organizations can make an application for permissive tax exemptions which are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.