Many vegetables can help with erectile dysfunction (ED) and prostate health. We have taken to growing all our tomatoes in a high tunnel, and it turns out to be a really good location for almond production as well. Many municipalities offer soil testing free of charge. These are not recommended for lawns and gardens. adjusting the soil to the proper ph helps plants to grow & strengthen by making it easier for plant roots to take up nutrients in the soil. In addition to liming the soil, several other strategies may help prevent blossom end rot, according to North Carolina State University. If you intend to use a stake to tie your tomato plant to for support as it grows, put the stake a little off center in the pot. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, NC State University: Growing Tomatoes for Home Use. But do not let all of this talk of sweetness lull you into a false sense of security. I had more than I knew what to do with! You can find hydrated lime at most garden or hardware stores. Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. This can burn and I am very surprised it has not! That is what makes it impossible to compare one case to another since it depends on the … What Does Lime Do? The ideal pH level for growing tomatoes is 6.5 to 6.7, according to North Carolina State University. per plant) into the soil. Use about a 1/2 cup of garden lime every 4 – 6 weeks after planting. Yes, tomatoes do well in mushroom compost as the increase of calcium reduces the risk of blossom end rot that diminishes fruit production. Hydrated lime simply means that a controlled amount of water is added to quicklime to make a powder that is more stable and safe to handle. Garden lime is specifically formulated for gardening situations. Add water until the soil is evenly moist. Tomatoes are the most popular homegrown vegetable, but they do require a bit of babying. All soil types. The effectiveness (called the ‘Neutralising Value’ (NV)) is expressed as a percentage of the neutralising value of pure calcium oxide (which is caustic so cannot be used). The soil additive Sul-Po-Mag (22 percent sulfur, 22 percent potassium, 11 percent magnesium) which is often added to alkaline soils should negate the need for Epsom salt. Kathryn Hatter is a veteran home-school educator, as well as an accomplished gardener, quilter, crocheter, cook, decorator and digital graphics creator. As well as raising the pH it will provide calcium for the crops and trace nutrients. Soil pH … That’s excellent! Lime is needed because tomatoes need the extra calcium … Chard, lettuces, zucchini, tomatoes and other large leafed vegetables are all suitable companions for almonds. Tomatoes really can't survive well much above pH 8. Tomatoes affected by blossom end rot mature and ripen normally, but develop small tan or brown spots on the blossom ends. Low and behold, tomatoes are huge lovers of lime so, when you are planting your tomatoes put some dolopril lime on top of the soil around the plant to provide the calcium. Many types of popular berries also prefer a more acidic soil environment to flourish, so they won’t react favorably if you add lime. They don't tolerate cold temperatures and must be planted after temperatures are consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but they won't ripen if temperatures are over 77 degrees F. Give them too little water and they produce few fruits. ft. (2-4 tbsps. It has a calcium to magnesium ratio of 2:1. Blueberry … The blossom end of the tomato rots, and while the upper half is edible, the tomato is not aesthetically pleasing. Spraying a mushroom compost tea on tomato plants can protect them from diseases like leaf mold and kills harmful bacteria. However, the two year old plant is not very … Hatter has also had publication on home improvement websites such as Redbeacon. Purdue University: Tomatoes Not Ripening? Sand sapropel 1 to 2. Give them too much water, too quickly, and the skins crack. The midday sun can scorch the leaves of your plants – they won’t be happy. Tomatoes love to grow in moisture-rich soil. Improve a plant's natural ability to handle stress, while increasing capacity to withstand drought and temperature fluctuations. pots with a Promix/EWC mix. A real easy way to treat this is to mix one cup of hydrated lime (powder) to a gallon of water and add it to the water well. Before this crop, I was afraid that I did not have the green thumb. Add about a cup of garden lime per plant, in the hole when planting. Lime-induced chlorosis is common in our alkaline soils because the iron in the soil is not readily available to … A soil test conducted by a local extension office or professional lab can determine the pH level. How much to use: In the absence of a soil test, mix 2 ½ to 5 lbs. All Rights Reserved. When to use: Early Spring, Late Spring & Fall. They don't tolerate cold temperatures and must be planted after temperatures are consistently above 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but they won't ripen if temperatures are over 77 degrees F. Give them too little water and they produce few fruits. This means we need to add lime to some areas of the garden, and not to others. The best way to amend the soil successfully with lime is to have your soil tested first and then add an appropriate amount of lime based on the results. And if you can't find dolomitic lime then just regular garden lime (or agricultural lime) will do. The spots are barely noticeable at first, but soon spread to as much as 2 inches wide. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Researching and understanding nutrient levels in soil definitely helped. do not mix with fertilizer before use. Good soil for tomatoes is: loam with a high content of organic fertilizers; ... high-moor peat of 2-3 kg per 1 sq. Fres… Lime is used to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes. The midday sun can scorch the leaves of your plants – they won’t be happy. For every gallon of this mix, one should add a teaspoon of hydrated lime. Understanding the difference between hydrated lime and hydraulic lime can prove to be a challenge. Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), sold for use by builders, can also be used. per 100 sq. Tomatoes love to grow in moisture-rich soil. Will turn blue hydrangeas pink due to higher soil pH. Calcium is good for tomatoes when they ripen too to avoid what is known as blossom end rot … It looks a lot like a 5 gallon bag of beet seeds. If you see fruits … Almonds can be grown in abundance during the warm months of summer. Pellet lime is easy to sprinkle on the soil. All Rights Reserved. When you add lime to the soil, the alkaline content of the lime will serve to reduce the acidity of the soil. Dolomitic lime which is used to raise the pH of acidic soils is rich in magnesium (46 percent calcium carbonate, 38 percent magnesium carbonate). I am not sure that would be cost effective. However, studies have found that hydrated lime may be doing more harm than good. As we have tried to replicate the flavor in the United States, sun-dried tomatoes get mixed reviews. What is garden lime, should we use it, and how much should we use? Regular lime is also a source of calcium and dolomite lime additionally contains magnesium. Lime changes the soil pH to make those nutrients accessible to tomatoes, preventing blossom end rot and premature tomato drop. It is true that lime can improve the quality of certain types of soil. If you look up the pH of hydrated lime you will see it is 12.3 when saturated and this is caustic and will cause permanent damage if the exposure is direct. Lime should not be used on soil that you intend to grow tomatoes, capsicums, potatoes, blueberry bushes and other acid loving plants. Lime will raise the pH (per Hydrogen) of the soil and will make the soil less acidic. You can find hydrated lime at most garden or hardware stores. Don’t overdo it though – adding too much lime will burn your plants. Without the lime you will likely get blossom end rot. Contact your local extension office to inquire about soil testing. I think this is actually ground up lime stone. It looks a lot like a 5 gallon bag of beet seeds. Dig lime 12 inches deep into the soil prior to planting at a rate of 3/4 cup lime for each tomato plant. In fact, specialists at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University … Hydrated lime is what I like best because I can mix it with water then water just the plants not the whole garden. Chard, lettuces, zucchini, tomatoes and other large leafed vegetables are all suitable companions for almonds. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Lime is used to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes. These are not recommended for lawns and gardens. Organic farmers use two things … Shade from a hot midday sun to avoid this. Other types of lime you may find for sell include hydrated or slaked lime and quick or burnt lime. Add 2 inches of compost to the top of the soil, and work this in well with the spade to incorporate it completely with the soil. Just remember that success with adding it once doesn’t mean you need to add it every year. Applying a foliar calcium nitrate spray at the rate of 4 tbsp. It … Mulches such as straw, newspapers and pine straw laid around tomato plants conserve moisture and may prevent the disease. My advice would be to keep using the small amounts you’re using, and if you start to run into problems of tight soil and sick tomatoes, back off on the lime. When to use: Early Spring, Late Spring & Fall. Don’t overdo it though – adding too much … Tomatoes do need lots of water. I personally add eggshells to my tomatoes but, lime works well to. per gallon of water may prevent the disease. Rain and cool temperatures help lime move into the soil. Calcium deficiency is possible, though unlikely since most commercial potting soils have lime added and most water contains at least some calcium. In fact, there is a connection between sexual health and heart health, as clogged arteries can cause problems for both. Garden lime is specifically formulated for gardening situations. Without the lime you will likely get blossom end rot. Beans, peas, lettuce, and spinach produce good … … Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Lime for tomatoes: Lime for tomatoes is almost a given in most garden soil. Lime is an important alkaline source of calcium and magnesium for your lawn and garden, mainly composed of ground limestone. Will turn blue hydrangeas pink due to higher soil pH. Apply lime to tomato plants at the time you plant them, for example, to improve the calcium content of the soil and reduce the incidence of blossom end rot. Tomatoes are prone to many diseases, especially when grown in hot, humid conditions. Yes I said that. Make sure to follow the … per 100 sq. Primary preparation: disinfection. Read a bit online and you get mixed reviews of dried tomatoes, both the loose ones and the tomatoes packed in oil. Refill each hole approximately halfway with the amended soil. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes.". I was not aware of the high magnesium levels in dolomite lime, but I can honestly say that I will continue to use it with my tomatoes and peppers. There is a secrete formula there. They include acid-lovers such as rhododendron, azalea, daphne, magnolia, camellia, erica, pieris and Japanese maples. If you water it in the effects are much quicker then scratching it in. Besides helping your heart and your waistline and preventing prostate cancer, a diet rich in certain vegetables can improve your sexual health. Use a slow-timed release Pruning is recommended for a few vines in a small vegetable garden. While a gardener adds fertilizer to the soil to nourish plants and add nutrients to the soil, lime neutralizes the soil by counteracting acids. This type of lime can burn plants and your skin. Blossom end rot in container grown tomatoes is a common problem, and more likely linked to water fluctuation than an absence of calcium. ft. (2-4 tbsps. In the absence of a soil test, you can still use lime to enhance the soil around many garden vegetables. You do not have to get paranoid about it, just spend a few moments reading. IS there a way to add lime now? Product Highlights: raises soil ph - hydrated lime quickly raises soil ph. Soils that are even slightly too acidic won’t produce good quality tomatoes and will bind calcium and magnesium into the soil where plants cannot access it. Lime is used to increase the soil’s pH and decrease acidity. For many years people have used and continue to use hydrated lime to help rid their barns and stables of ammonia and the smell that accompanies it. There is a secrete formula there. Courtesy of Field and Forest Products . If your soil is acidic (pH is too low), the lime will also help neutralize the pH into a comfortable range for your plants. There are a number of terms surrounding lime, both current and historical, that can lead to a bit of confusion when specifying lime plasters and mortars. It is a fine powder, quick acting, but can irritate skin and eyes if not handled carefully. When to Lime. Good tip, especially for container-grown tomatoes. Other types of lime you may find for sell include hydrated or slaked lime and quick or burnt lime. Lime … In addition to supplying calcium, lime makes soils less acidic. The tomatoes were large, juicy, and perfect. If plants dry out, they are unlikely to do what you want them to. Is Mushroom Compost Good … If you see fruits splitting, it’s generally because they aren’t getting enough water. Your soil must have needed magnesium and calcium. If the pH level is found to be lower, lime should be added. Hydrated lime + Copper Sulfate mixed with water and spray on plants is good … The one advantage hydrated lime has over other forms of lime is that it can stop the growth of fusarium, or tomato wilt, when used properly. Prepare a good starting soil mix. The type of tomatos really does not matter but dusting with lime does as it must be hydrated lime which is powder and the type used on lawns. The solution is applied two to three times per week after the second fruit cluster develops. Add 2 inches of compost to the top of the soil, and work this in well with the spade to incorporate it completely with the soil. I think this is actually ground up lime stone. Sun-dried tomatoes come from Italy where Italians dried tomatoes on their roofs to maintain the brightness and flavor of tomatoes all year long. STEP 4. And yes, I said the word read. Use about a 1/2 cup of garden lime every 4 – 6 weeks after planting. Use a standard potting soil mix with about 10% worm castings added. When the tomatoes are finally transplanted into the containers they need to be fed heavily with a good fertilizer with good percentage of all three elements, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Yes I said that. This calcium prevents the blossoms from rotting later on down the line. Additionally, soil fertility and pH level impact the quantity and quality of fruits. However, the effect can take several weeks to months, and … improves soil structure - hydrated lime helps neutralize soil acidity and "sweetens" the soil. A soil test conducted by a local extension office or professional lab can determine the pH level. However, the two year old plant is not very productive. Gently remove the tomato seedling you intend … For hydrated lime you only need between half and three quarters the amount. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the soil and may be exacerbated by alternately dry and overly wet conditions. Shade from a hot midday sun to avoid this. "(Hydrated Lime) is not recommended because it is caustic to humans, plants and soil organisms." It is true that lime can improve the quality of certain types of soil. Yes, tomatoes do well in mushroom compost as the increase of calcium reduces the risk of blossom end rot that diminishes fruit production. If the pH level is found to be lower, lime should be added. You should abstain from using hydrated lime in the garden. Courtesy of Field and Forest Products . As a regular contributor to Natural News, many of Hatter's Internet publications focus on natural health and parenting. The best way to amend the soil successfully with lime is to have your soil tested first and then add an appropriate amount of lime based on the results. Tomatoes affected by blossom end rot mature and ripen normally, but develop small tan or brown spots on the blossom ends. Neutral would be 7.0. I didnt add any lime into the mix when I started? Add about a cup of garden lime per plant, in the hole when planting. Almonds can be grown in abundance during the warm months of summer. Yes, tomatoes can survive for two years if you can prevent them from freezing. This can be done to hydraulic lime or non-hydraulic lime. The ideal pH level for growing tomatoes is 6.5 to 6.7, according to North Carolina State University. The soil additive Sul-Po-Mag (22 percent sulfur, 22 percent potassium, 11 percent magnesium) which is often added to alkaline soils should negate the need for Epsom salt. It’s usually best to lime your soil in the autumn and allow it to work its way into the soil over the winter. I would recommend using dolomite … And yes, I said the word read. In fact, a study at the Madrid Urological Institute has shown that lycopene from tomatoes taken with olive oil may improve ED. In addition to supplying calcium, lime makes soils less acidic. However, studies have found that hydrated lime may be doing more harm than good. BENEFITS OF AZOMITE Increase nutrient availability in the soil and uptake in plants. Hey Simon, you can go either way. Among plants, different plants prefer different soil pH, depending on where the species evolved. per plant) into the soil. … You do not have to get paranoid about it, just spend a few moments reading. Lawn grass lime is often dolomitic in my area but it'll depend on your location in the States if it is the same where you are. Tomatoes do need lots of water. Tomatoes provided with a slow, steady source of water are also less likely to develop blossom end rot. Good watering practices such as the use of soaker hoses and watering in the morning help keep leaves dry. The three-month study of 40 men over the age of 50 with mild to moderate ED showed that 20 ml of extra virgin olive oil combined with 8 mg of tomato lycopene helped 50 percent of the participants … Directions; Specs; Blogs; For use on: Can be used anywhere in the garden and landscape where a higher (Less acidic) soil pH is desired. This ensures that the pH of the soil is right, which should be slightly acidic at 5.5-6.5. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Is Azomite good for tomatoes? Remove each tomato plant from its temporary container, and place the tomato plants into the prepared holes. But what about the rest of the year when good tomatoes aren’t available? Standard potting soil is usually equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and sphagnam peat and is adjusted to the right Ph by adding 1 teaspoon of hydrated lime for every gallon of soil mix. Liquid Lime: This type of lime is most suitable for industrial applications rather than agricultural. Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →, North Carolina State University: Blossom End Rot of Tomatoes, North Carolina State University Extension: Growing Tomatoes for Home use. Hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide), sold for use by builders, can also be used. Plants have certain pH levels that are ideal for their growth and tomatoes prefer to be between 6.0 and 6.8 which is slightly on the acidic side. Sun-dried tomatoes are a great way to preserve summer tomatoes … Tomatoes will need watering in dry weather conditions to develop fruits fully. Since you are not having any PH problems yet, I would get some dolomite lime and scratch a few tbsp directly into the soil. adjusting the soil to the proper ph helps plants to grow & strengthen by making it easier for plant roots to take up nutrients in the soil. Hydrated lime usually comes in a powdered form and is mostly used in lawns or similar applications. Acidic soils, referred to by old timers as sour soils, have a low soil pH. In fact, specialists at North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University concluded that hydrated lime increases the alkalinity of litter and, in fact, creates more ammonia by converting ammonium into ammonia gas! Tomatoes are the most popular homegrown vegetable, but they do require a bit of babying. Situate the tomato plants so the lowest set of leaves is at soil level. Another big advantage of adding lime is that it is a good source of calcium. A real easy way to treat this is to mix one cup of hydrated lime (powder) to a gallon of water and add it to the water well. We have taken to growing all our tomatoes in a high tunnel, and it turns out to be a really good location for … My tomatoes pulled through it but did not produce nearly as much and many of the tomatoes would fall off before they were ready. Tomatoes will need watering in dry weather conditions to develop fruits fully. Be used alone or blended with other fertilizers any time of year, with any application method. Prepare the planting area by working the soil with the garden spade down to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Also, you should not consider adding lime if you are growing capsicums or tomatoes. If your soil is acidic (pH is too low), the lime will also help neutralize the pH into a comfortable range for your plants. So we are stuck wondering about how harshly they were hit plus how basic ("alkaline") the whole Box ended up. Do be careful, too much lime can raise your pH too far and an alkaline soil is as bad as an acid soil for yield. However, watermelon actually has 1,5 times more of it. Dig lime 12 inches deep into the soil prior to planting at a rate of 3/4 cup lime for each tomato plant. Prepare the planting area by working the soil with the garden spade down to a depth of approximately 6 inches. Peat moss has little or no nutrients, although for a mulch it can preserve moisture. Tomatoes … Water the tomato plants generously immediately after you finish planting them. The effectiveness (called the ‘Neutralising Value’ (NV)) is expressed as a percentage of the neutralising value of pure calcium oxide (which is caustic so cannot be used). Dolomite is most often used limestone as it contains equal parts of magnesium and calcium. Add some more hydrated lime at this time as well. Author: Patrick Webb Updated: May 13, 2020 Original: Jul 31, 2018. Lime for tomatoes is a good idea. Hydrated lime + Copper Sulfate mixed with water and spray on plants is good for blight. My neighbor did it. Additionally, because lime moves slowly through the soil, often no more than an inch a year, it takes time to work its way in. If plants dry out, they are unlikely to do what you want them to. I have allot of plants already planted in 4 gal. Additionally, wet foliage spreads disease. Some recent experiments are indicating our soils may well benefit from the addition of rock dust, adding trace nutrients to the soil. Agricultural Lime or Garden Lime is made from pulverized limestone or chalk. Fill in the soil you removed from each hole around the roots of the tomato plants to finish planting. In the food garden, avoid spreading lime over soil intended to grow potatoes, capsicums, tomatoes and blueberry bushes. Regular lime is also a source of calcium and dolomite lime additionally contains magnesium. The capacity of lime to sweeten the ground to which it is applied also makes it useful for battling outdoor pet odors. Calcium deficiency is possible, though unlikely since most commercial potting soils have lime added and most water contains at least some calcium. Dig holes for the tomato plants, making the holes approximately 1 foot deep and 3 feet apart. Standard potting soil is usually equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and sphagnam peat and is adjusted to the right Ph by adding 1 teaspoon of hydrated lime for every gallon of soil mix. For instance, you should never add lime to sweet potatoes and regular potato crops. What Does Lime Do? Mix ¾ cup lime and ½ cup fertilizer in with the soil you removed from each hole. Lime putty can be made from either type of lime, and is made by adding an excess of water to quicklime. Apply lime to tomato plants at the time you plant them, for example, to improve the calcium content of the soil and reduce the incidence of blossom end rot. Ph adjusting your mix this way for tomatoes is good because the lime is a good source of calcium, which prevents blossom end rot in tomatoes later on. A little fish fertilizer particularly after … Dolomite is pellitezied so it can not be dusted. Sign me up Signed Up View more Newsletters Share this on Facebook improves soil structure - hydrated lime helps neutralize soil acidity and "sweetens" the soil. Product Highlights: raises soil ph - hydrated lime quickly raises soil ph. In the food garden, avoid spreading lime over soil intended to grow potatoes, capsicums, tomatoes and blueberry bushes. And if you can't find dolomitic lime then just regular garden lime (or agricultural lime) will do. Make sure to follow the instructions that are on the bag. Hydrated lime is what I like best because I can mix it with water then water just the plants not the whole garden. Hydrated lime usually comes in a powdered form and is mostly used in lawns or similar applications. Yes, tomatoes can survive for two years if you can prevent them from freezing. There is a method to my madness. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency in the soil and may be exacerbated by alternately dry and overly wet conditions. Many tomato varieties are disease resistant and are recommended for areas where diseases are prevalent. Can be used anywhere in the garden and landscape where a higher (Less acidic) soil pH is desired. Hydrated Lime: Hydrate lime is made from Calcium Hydroxide and should not be spread on the lawn or garden. Blossom end rot in container grown tomatoes is a common problem, and more likely linked to water fluctuation than an absence of calcium. You will only need to do this once – and any fruit that begins to develop after just a few days will be fine. A good example would be how to pee farm with no till. Garden lime is not a product to be used indiscriminately. How much to use: In the absence of a soil test, mix 2 ½ to 5 lbs. Organic farmers use two things that are not normal and cannot be found in your local garden center. There is a method to my madness. Consider how to prepare the soil for planting tomatoes… By neutralizing acidic soil, plants can easily absorb nutrients from the soil. Spraying a mushroom compost tea on tomato plants can protect them from diseases like leaf mold and kills harmful bacteria. Pellet lime is easy to sprinkle on the soil. Peat moss has little or no nutrients, although for a mulch it can preserve moisture. A good example would be how to pee farm with no till. STEP 3 . It can affect crop rotation in vegetable gardens, as well as companion planting. Much safer than hydrated lime. Apply lime and fertilizer on soil that has been tested at the rate recommended by the soil analysis. Im not having any PH issues (yet) and the plants are in their 3rd week of flowering. Tomatoes are one of the highlights of summer produce — I stuff myself with as many tomatoes as possible while they’re at the peak of ripeness, juicy, and that perfect balance of sweet and tart. Erectile dysfunction (ED) can affect men from time to time, but it is estimated that between 15 percent and 25 percent of men over 65 have ED on a long-term basis. All this is important to me because I need to raise the pH in the garden but have an above optimum level of magnesium in my soil (317 lbs per acre) . Also, you should not consider adding lime if you are growing capsicums or tomatoes. Tamp the soil down firmly with your hands. m is brought along with hydrated lime; coarse sand 80-100 kg per 1 square meter; compost 1 to 1; sand sapropel 1 to 2. Acidic soils, referred to by old timers as sour soils, have a low soil pH. Good tip, especially for container-grown tomatoes. No till and pee, what a thing to say. It is a fine powder, quick acting, but can irritate skin and eyes if not handled carefully. You will only need to do this once – and any fruit that begins to develop after just a few days will be fine. Lawn grass lime is often dolomitic in my area but it'll depend on your location in the States if it is the same where you are. A balanced vegetable fertilizer (8-8-8) may be applied at the same time at a rate of 3/4 cup per tomato plant. Lime is needed because tomatoes need the extra calcium that lime gives. Lime … My neighbor did it. No till and pee, what a thing to say. Keep in mind certain plants should never be limed. do not mix with fertilizer before use. For instance, you should never add lime to sweet potatoes and regular potato crops. Many types of popular berries also prefer a more acidic soil environment to flourish, so they won’t react favorably if you add lime. Usually there is plenty of calcium in the soil for the plant to use for fruit growth but sometimes it isn’t available for the plant because of various reasons like the wrong pH, … Tomatoes are known to have an abundance of the powerful antioxidant, Lycopene. I am not sure that would be cost effective. Dolomitic lime which is used to raise the pH of acidic soils is rich in magnesium (46 percent calcium carbonate, 38 percent magnesium carbonate). Hydrated lime is rich in calcium and is absolutely great for the tomatoes.