The Importance of Calcium and Sulfur

Garden Pearls Lime contains Calcium (Ca) and Carbonate (CO3).  The carbonate increases pH in soils; while the calcium is an important nutrient to regulate many plant physiological functions, such as cell wall strength, nutrient up take, water regulation, natural disease suppression and many other functions. Calcium plays a pivotal role in cell development and improves storability of all vegetables and fruit.

Garden Pearls Gypsum supplies calcium and sulfur, but does not change pH. It can make soil lighter and softer. Sulfur is important for a plant to build protein, for formation of root nodules in peas and beans.  Adding gypsum improves the flavor of many vegetables and that is why I always use it with onions, garlic, and all cabbage varieties. To make mineral rich and nutritious compost, I add Garden Pearls Gypsum to the pile.

Farmers divide the various vegetable crops they grow by nutrient need into: heavy, medium, and low nutrient consuming plants. Heavy consuming are all cabbage, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes and most annual flowers.   Plants with a medium nutrient need are carrots, onions, radish, spinach, and beets.  Beans, peas, lettuce, and herbs belong to the low consuming vegetables. How plants use calcium and sulfur, is different than how they use other nutrients.  Please refer to my table under “How much and When to Use Garden Pearls”.

Be aware that Garden Pearls do not add major plant nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium (NPK) to your garden.  While Garden Pearls make these nutrients more effective, they still have to be added in sufficient quantities in a regular fertilizing program.