On 1/30/12 6:14 PM, Father Haskell wrote:
On Jan 30, 6:47 pm, "David Hare-Scott" wrote:
Father Haskell wrote:
On Jan 30, 7:13 am, songbird wrote:
Higgs Boson wrote:
Amigas & amigos, years ago I read that eggshell water is good for
plants. I don't remember more. I kept the container on the side
steps. NEVER smelled anything like the odor emanating from the
water- immersed egg shells.

Now I started saving them again, but before I concoct yet another
witches brew, could I sample the NG as to the usefulness/efficacy of
this project? If yes, then on which plants and how often.

for me recycling eggshells wasn't worth
the added expense. a bag of agricultural
lime ran about $6.50 for 50lbs. at the
rate i use it that should keep me a good
20 years or so.

songbird

Dolomitic lime adds calcium and magnesium, plus helps
to keep pH levels stable. Eggshells have the most benefit
with vermicomposting, keeps the crew healthy.

Provided your soil needs magnesium as well.

If foliage is yellow, and not due to iron or nitrogen deficiency,
suspect Mg shortage. Hard to overdose with dolomite.

A spoonful of epsom salts is recommended when planting
tomatoes or peppers. These appreciate an extra dose of
magnesium.

Yellowing can by a symptom of zinc deficiency, especially with citrus
and gardenias. Yellowing can also be a symptom of soil that is too
alkaline or of over-watering. Finally, yellowing can be a sign that a
nearby underground natural gas line is leaking.

Magnesium promots the growth of new shoots. That is why I give each of
my roses about 2 tablespoonsful of Epsom salts in the late winter.

--
David E. Ross
Climate: California Mediterranean, see
http://www.rossde.com/garden/climate.html
Gardening diary at http://www.rossde.com/garden/diary