Using Eggshells

[Broke Down Ranch]

So my tomatoes are now showing signs of calcium deficiency. I have been reading to use eggshells are the base of the plant. My question is can I use the shells from hatched chicks? Is there still calcium in those or do I have to use shells from eggs I didn't hatch?

 

[ccrecelius]

How to you tell if your tomatos are calcium deficient?

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

How to you tell if your tomatos are calcium deficient?

The leaves start turing yellow at the center like in this pic:

http://4e.plantphys.net/image.php?id=376


But after looking at all the pics on that link I think it's more of an iron deficiency. How the heck do I get iron in it? This is what iron deficiency looks like:


http://4e.plantphys.net/image.php?id=379

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

In case you are wondering, I am looking at pics from this link:

http://4e.plantphys.net/article.php?ch=t&id=289

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem with using them.

Although your tomatoes may not show a calcium deficiency it is always good to add a few throughout the growing season to be sure that they have enough. Calcium helps prevent against cat-facing as well as many other issues that come up with fruit development.

 

[nccountrygirl]

Could Oyster Shell be used instead of Egg Shell?

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

Could Oyster Shell be used instead of Egg Shell?

They sure can!

 

[nccountrygirl]

Thanks, so many of us have chickens and a ready supply of Oyster shell that I thought it might work.

 

[patandchickens]

well, but if you've got chickens and oystershell then most likely you have eggshell too and unlike oystershell it is FREE

Shells from hatched chicks should work just fine.

Pat

 

[Broke Down Ranch]

well, but if you've got chickens and oystershell then most likely you have eggshell too and unlike oystershell it is FREE

Shells from hatched chicks should work just fine.

Pat

LOL, I have seen that term used a lot when referring to chicken by-products (manure, eggs, etc). I pay $12 a bag for lay pellet and $9 a bag for hen scratch. I go thru 3 bags of pellet and 1 bag hen scratch a week. I can't exactly agree with the whole "free" concept.....

But if I had known to use eggshells in the garden I would have had PLENTY from all the chicks I've hatched this year....