In article ,
"Paul M. Cook" wrote:
"David Hare-Scott" wrote in message
...
Paul M. Cook wrote:
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
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.
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
Calcium deficiency is usually a problem in the transport of calcium from
the soil to the fruit. Over watering, and over fertilizing are usually
the problem. I suspect that you over fertilized with chemferts, or over
watered (blocking oxygen). Make sure you have good drainage, and only
use manure, fish emulsion, or an organic fertilizer that is no more than
10-10-10 (preferably a quarter that).
Also see:
http://books.google.com/books?id=_u2...PA482&dq=calci
um+uptake+in+plants,+gardening&source=bl&ots=G7wEY tLl4O&sig=UZP5PqTk1W0Ug
NB7Yvdthewptag&hl=en&ei=KZ9DSu3BL4WqsgO874Vk&sa=X& oi=book_result&ct=resul
t&resnum=1
--
- Billy
There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who
learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and
find out for themselves.
Will Rogers
http://green-house.tv/video/the-spring-garden-tour
http://www.tomdispatch.com/p/zinn