To
matoes are likely the most common indicator as a litmus test for calcium defieciency in the vegetable garden. Although there are other plants that will readily provide a clue, because of the popularity of tomatoes combined with the ease of identifying the sypmtom makes the tomato my best indicator of low calcium.
It is likely that if you garden here in Tucson your soil is simular to mine, and though a free and accurate assessment of your soil can be obtained through the local university (so I am told) the reccomendation that I received from my nursery “guru” was to add gypsom. I will keep you posted.
Calcium Deficiency Symptoms in Vegetables
Calcium deficiency symptoms in organic vegetable garden plants is very noticeable, but may be misdiagnosed, as some symptoms, such as browning of young leaf margins and leaf curling, can also be associated with other deficiencies and diseases. However, if these early symptoms are not treated, it can lead to the death of the terminal bud and root tips. (see the entire article… follow this link) Calcium Deficiency in Organic Vegetable Gardens: Natural Garden Solutions for Your Green Lifestyle | Suite101.com
Also see this link Yahoo! Image Detail for http://www.gypsum.co.nz/images/calc_tomato.jpg
I had this problem with my tomatoes, AND my bell peppers. Since I could not address it with Gypsum (it needs to be mixed into the soil), I used a foliar spray called Enz-Rot. Tomato blossom end rot. An ugly thing, and very likely to happen during rainy season in Tucson. The heavy watering periods leach the calcium from the soil. This Enz-Rot spray is a concentrate that you mix with water and spray onto the affected plants once a week until conditions improve. Then, when the plant is removed at the end of the season (probably this month for me), I’ll ammend the soil directly with Gypsum. You can purchase this organic product at Gardens Alive!. Alas, I didn’t see the symptoms as Calcium…I thought it was heat. Good to know.
I went to the nursery today and purchased “Happy Frog” brand amendment and forgot to pickup the gypsum. I will do it tomorrow. This brand was recommended so I will give it a try. I also purchased a bag of Mesquite Valley Growers “Special Bend” fertilizer; it’s supposed to be fully organic and good for all veggies. I think that I should look for a larger quantity package of gypsum for the economy of purchase.