MUCH LIKE CALCIUM CARBONATE WORKS AS AN ANTACID FOR YOUR BODY , IT ALSO HELPS TO CHANGE THE pH OF YOUR SOIL .”
When you think of calcium carbonate , the first thing that probably comes to mind is an upset stomach . It is the active ingredient in Tums and similar products that help with tummy troubles such as heartburn . However , this naturally occurring chemical has uses outside of the medicine cabinet , including in your garden . In fact , you may be more familiar with it in the garden under another name : powdered lime .
SAY GOODBYE TO BLOSSOM END ROT
One of the worst things to discover in your garden is blossom end rot . It can be so discouraging to see all those lovely tomatoes , peppers , and other vegetables with a black spot on the bottom where the blossom once was . While you can still cut off the blackened areas of the fruit , you may find the quality is just not where it should be and the fruit may seem gritty . Lack of calcium is typically the culprit of this nightmare . Calcium carbonate is an excellent fix for blossom end rot because it puts the necessary calcium back into your soil .
GET HELP WITH CLUBROOT
If you love growing cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli , cauliflower , and cabbages , you don ’ t want to deal with clubroot . It ’ s a common disease caused by Phytomyxea that makes the roots look like a club . Though calcium carbonate doesn ’ t cure this condition , it can help .
ASSIST WITH A LACK OF NUTRIENTS
Depending on what you ’ re growing , having slightly acidic soil is a good thing ( some plants , such as blueberries , love acidic soil ). However , if you find your plants can ’ t take up the nutrients available in the soil , even if you just fertilized , your dirt may be overly acidic for the crop you ’ re growing . Much like calcium carbonate works as an antacid for your body , it also helps to change the pH of your soil .
SAY NO TO TOXIC HEAVY METALS
As they grow , food crops can bring in heavy metals such as aluminum from the soil . However , you don ’ t want them to take up too much as these compounds can have a negative impact on your health . Research has shown calcium carbonate can prevent the transfer of heavy metals from soil into the plants . While researchers are still trying to figure out how exactly calcium carbonate inhibits this transfer , knowing it happens can help with peace of mind for food safety .
A NOTE ON BUYING LIME
There are two types of lime offered by your gardening center . First , there ’ s garden lime , or calcium carbonate lime , made of powdered limestone . Second , there ’ s dolomitic lime , which is made with powdered dolomite . Dolomitic lime is similar to calcium carbonate lime , but it also adds magnesium when applied . This may or may not be necessary , depending on your use of lime .
Calcium carbonate is a helpful item to have around the house for you and your plants . ( Sometimes you can even use the same product . Depending on the area of your garden that needs the extra calcium boost , you may be able to get away with dropping a few antacid tablets around your plants instead of using lime .) To determine if calcium carbonate is the right solution for your garden , soil testing is your friend . Test the nutrients and the pH level of your soil to help you determine if calcium carbonate is right for your situation . It will also tell you how much to apply . If you find your soil pH is just right , but you need to add calcium , gypsum can be a good substitute as it adds calcium without changing the pH .
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MUCH LIKE CALCIUM CARBONATE WORKS AS AN ANTACID FOR YOUR BODY , IT ALSO HELPS TO CHANGE THE pH OF YOUR SOIL .”
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