Tums fo calcium

 I have Tums and I understand my peppers love calcium  Tums are mostly
calcium.  I've heard you can grind up the Tums and mix it with water for the
peppers.  Sounds reason able.  Anyone do this?  How about other calcium
tablets?

Paul

 Paul M. Cook wrote:

Tums contain calcium carbonate but this would have to be the most expensive
fertiliser you have ever bought.  Very roughly you add lime (calcium
carbonate) or gypsum (calcium sulphate) at a handfull per square metre
(yard).  How many tums does it take to make a handfull?  How much would that
cost?  You can buy a 5kg (10lb) bag of lime or gypsum for a few dollars and
bigger bags at less per kg.

If you really want to grow good veges look at the soil as a whole rather
than focus on one element.  For example if your soil pH was already over 7
you wouldn't want to add calcium carbonate which will raise it even further.
Unless your peppers are showing signs of calcium deficiency I wouldn't worry
about it.  It's a question of finding balance not of finding a magic
ingredient.

David

 

I forgot to mention I am growing these in pots.  They occupy a 22 inch and
an 18 inch pot filled with new potting soil.  The leaves do show signs of
calcium deficiency as shown in various pictures I have seen.  The leaves
tend to be crinkled and often slightly malformed.

I already have the Tums, I just did not kow how much to use.  I know I can
buy bone meal and other forms of calcium at the store.  I have no source for
gypsum other than to raid a construction site.

Paul

 wrote:

...

I use 1/4 the fertilizer dose for potted plants, particularly when
using inorganic fertilizers.  Fish emulsion is another good choice,
assuming the pepper plants are outdoors.

 

If that's the case then I must be over fertilizing.  They get about a half
pint of Miracle Grow every week.  I'll try the emulsion if I can find it.

Paul