"Billy" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Paul M. Cook" wrote:

"David Hare-Scott" wrote in message
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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).

All I have is Scott's miracle grow GP fertilizer. They've gotten a light
feeding once a week. The drainage is quite good as I get a trickle out from
the bottom of the pot. I am watering the peppers less lately, about every
other day. I'll see what the garden center has.

Paul