A gardener's tricks for beautiful and healthy plants are often experimental, but based on logical facts. Tomato juice is an organic product; it comes from natural ingredients and contains many nutrients. Some hobby gardeners therefore swear by the positive effect of tomato juice on plant growth. But be careful: while some plants thrive when watered with tomato juice instead of water, others can die or be damaged.

 

Photosynthesis is a vital process for the plant. The process stimulates leaf growth, stores nutrients in the plant and the plant stores energy. Photosynthesis requires three main factors: sunlight, carbon dioxide and water. Sunlight and carbon dioxide are absorbed by the leaves, water by the roots. These three factors are important for growth and vigour. If one of the factors is missing or insufficient, photosynthesis is interrupted and the plant is damaged.

Tomato juice contains nutrients that stimulate the plant's growth and protect it from plant diseases. Many minerals found in plant fertilisers, such as phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium, are also contained in tomato juice. This leads to the logical conclusion that tomato juice is good for plants, but tomato juice also contains other ingredients that neutralise the positive effect on the plant.

Tomato juice contains citric acid, which can be harmful to plants. If the dosage is too high, the plants show clear damage to the foliage. Typical signs of too high an acid concentration are brownish leaves, dehydration and wilting. If the concentration of acid remains high, the plant will die. Citric acid can damage the plant through external contact and through absorption by the roots.

Tomato juice with added salt is deadly for plants. Salt draws water from the plant, both internally and externally. In addition, the roots recognise the salt as a harmful substance and absorb less liquid.