The Best Way to Put Calcium in Garden Soil

Well-balanced soil will provide for all of a plant's needs.

The way to healthy plants begins with nutrient-rich soil. Plants need large amounts of nitrogen,
phosphorus and potassium to survive and thrive, but they also need small amounts of other
nutrients.

Plants use calcium, for example, to build cell walls and membranes. Without the proper supply
and intake of calcium, plants can develop conditions such as blossom end rot.

Plants take in calcium along with water through their roots, so the calcium has to be in soluble
form in order to be useful. Most soil amendments that add calcium are insoluble, so they should
be tilled into the soil in the fall.

The calcium will break down over the winter in time for spring planting.

Soil Test
Gardeners concerned about the nutrients in their soil should always begin with a soil test. Most
home soil tests measure soil acidity and macronutrients, but are not able to measure
micronutrients such as calcium.

To determine calcium deficiency, submit a soil sample to the local Agricultural Extension Officer
or to a reputable local company.

The soil test results will reveal deficiencies and advise how to amend the soil to bring the
nutrient level back to a desired range.

Ground Limestone
Ground limestone is most commonly recommended to increase calcium in soil. Some limestone
provides calcium only (calcite limestone), while other forms provide magnesium as well
(dolomitic limestone). Either form should be broadcast or spread over the soil, then tilled into the
soil by hand or machine. Apply the limestone in the fall at least 30 days before any fertilizer.
Limestone will lower soil acidity, so limestone is not recommended for soils that are already too
low in acidity. One application of limestone will last for several years.

Gypsum
Gypsum can be added to soil if calcium is lacking but the soil is already alkaline (too low in
acid). It is most often used in soil that has been farmed for many years and has built up too
much salt. However, most home garden soils do not have this problem. Use it with caution,
because gypsum can affect how plants take up other nutrients, such as phosphorus,
magnesium, copper and zinc. Gypsums effect on the soil will last for several months.

Fertilizer
Calcium may be applied in soluble form as part of a fertilizer. For example, many commercial
fertilizers intended for tomato plants include calcium. Other common fertilizers, such as soft rock
phosphate and bat guano, contain calcium naturally. Soft rock phosphate is an especially
effective fertilizer that delivers high amounts of calcium (35 percent) in soluble form, so the plant
can use it right away. To apply, till it into the soil, as it will not dissolve into the soil structure on
its own.
Eggshells
Eggshells are often touted as a do-it-yourself home method for applying calcium. They are
made of calcium carbonate, the same form of calcium that is in calcite limestone. Like
limestone, this is not a soluble form of calcium, so it must break down before it can be used by
plants. To apply, grind eggshells and integrate into soil. Keep in mind that it may take several
months to break down, perhaps longer if used in containers.