Calcium supplements for tomatoes

 Well, planting season is almost here.  I am going to double my tomato crop
this year.  I have ready access to oyster shells and crushed coral.  How
good of a calcium supplement would these make?  I grow in pots, 22 inch
pots - 1 plant per pot.  I'd like to just mix in a large quantity of either
into my planting soil.  I did pretty good last year using a liquid calcium
supplement but it was kind of expensive tedious.  Hoping to do something
cheaper and easier this year.

Paul

 Paul M. Cook wrote:

I think not very good unless it goes into the mix months beforehand and even
then it's doubtful.  The chunks will be too large and not dissolve
sufficiently to have much effect.  Have a look at the thread on soil
amendment without digging up the yard for a detailed explanation.

David

 

Yeah that was what I was thinking, they would take a long time to degrade
into the soil.  I'll probably do what I did last year.  Seemed to work
pretty well but expensive.  Or maybe I'll try a milk/water spray or even
sheet rock powder in water.

Paul

 Paul M. Cook wrote:

You could put some oyster shells in a plastic bucket of water and add
a little muriatic acid (or a bunch of vinegar.) Stir it up and let it
sit for a few days.  The shells will neutralize the acid, and the
liquid will be loaded with of soluble calcium++.  Pour it around the
plants.  HTH :-)

Bob

 

Good idea.

Paul