kenthefarmer
Lister
Getting strong and healthy seedlings starts right from the nursery bed. One key nutrient I always ensure is available is calcium. It plays a big role in seedling development and overall plant health.
Calcium helps in:
Strengthening cell walls – This makes seedlings more resistant to diseases and environmental stress.
Boosting root development – Many people believe that only phosphorus is needed for root development, but that’s not true. Calcium also plays a big role in ensuring strong and healthy roots that absorb water and nutrients efficiently.
Reducing transplanting shock – Seedlings grow faster and adapt quickly after transplanting.
Preventing growth disorders – It reduces issues like weak stems, tip burn, and stunted growth.
How I Apply Calcium in My Nursery Beds
There are calcium fertilizers available, but in my nursery beds, I mostly use calcium foliars because they are quickly absorbed and provide faster results.
The foliars in stock are mostly a combination of calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Organic Sources of Calcium
Since I prefer organic farming, I also use natural calcium sources, including:
Bone meal – A great long-term calcium source.
Gypsum – Supplies calcium without affecting soil pH.
Eggshells – Crushed and added to the soil for slow calcium release.
Wood ash – Provides small amounts of calcium along with other minerals.
Important Tip: Do Not Mix Phosphorus Foliar with Calcium Foliar
While both nutrients are essential for plant growth, you should never mix phosphorus foliar with calcium foliar. Why?
Phosphorus and calcium can react with each other, making them less available to plants.
This reaction can create insoluble compounds that the plant cannot absorb, meaning your efforts will be wasted.
So, always apply them separately for best results.
By ensuring my seedlings get enough calcium from the start and applying it correctly, I reduce the chances of weak plants and increase my chances of a good harvest. Whether it’s bulb onions or other crops, healthy seedlings lead to high yields!
~village investor.
Calcium helps in:
Strengthening cell walls – This makes seedlings more resistant to diseases and environmental stress.
Boosting root development – Many people believe that only phosphorus is needed for root development, but that’s not true. Calcium also plays a big role in ensuring strong and healthy roots that absorb water and nutrients efficiently.
Reducing transplanting shock – Seedlings grow faster and adapt quickly after transplanting.
Preventing growth disorders – It reduces issues like weak stems, tip burn, and stunted growth.
How I Apply Calcium in My Nursery Beds
There are calcium fertilizers available, but in my nursery beds, I mostly use calcium foliars because they are quickly absorbed and provide faster results.
The foliars in stock are mostly a combination of calcium, magnesium and zinc.
Organic Sources of Calcium
Since I prefer organic farming, I also use natural calcium sources, including:
Bone meal – A great long-term calcium source.
Gypsum – Supplies calcium without affecting soil pH.
Eggshells – Crushed and added to the soil for slow calcium release.
Wood ash – Provides small amounts of calcium along with other minerals.
Important Tip: Do Not Mix Phosphorus Foliar with Calcium Foliar
While both nutrients are essential for plant growth, you should never mix phosphorus foliar with calcium foliar. Why?
Phosphorus and calcium can react with each other, making them less available to plants.
This reaction can create insoluble compounds that the plant cannot absorb, meaning your efforts will be wasted.
So, always apply them separately for best results.
By ensuring my seedlings get enough calcium from the start and applying it correctly, I reduce the chances of weak plants and increase my chances of a good harvest. Whether it’s bulb onions or other crops, healthy seedlings lead to high yields!
~village investor.
