Yes, I still supplement most everything with calcium. All those eggshells that used to go in orchids now go into the tomato beds. I've always used oyster shell as well. And of course, blackstrap molasses.
I used to own a water garden store before retirement. I still use my water garden/pond/koi pond water only during the six months or orchids are outside. Super easy to drop in that waste pump with a long hose and have at it. And I rarely fertilize anything during those months. Also used to have a 100 and 75 gallon aquarium, and always used that water in winter for plants, but supplemented with RO. Now it's all RO, because I'm taking a break from aquariums.
Frankly, I only started using fertilizer in winter months two or three years ago. Mostly due to encouragement from a friend to at least give it a try during winter months. Has it changed anything? Frankly, I'm not sure. Everything seemed to be doing well before, and still doing well now, for the most part. Since I've gotten older (just turned 65) I find the best care of my orchids, and houseplants, and outside plants and veggies, is to keep it simple. When I don't, I tend to just not water or pay attention as often as I should. Gotta keep me happy and motivated, and it tends to make all living things happier. Including my husband.
Was curious to see what you used. Use blackstrap molasses on those tomatoes as well. The extra potassium and magnesium will benefit them!
---------- Post added at 02:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:20 PM ----------
Yes, 1 T per gallon is what I use, just for simplicity. Most folks say 1 teaspoon per quart. Who the heck only uses a quart of water when watering ANYTHING?!? It helps to use really warm water and let it cool a bit if you're doing large quantities (I use a five gallon bucket for inside stuff) instead of stirring forever.
It's got calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, sulfur and micronutrients.The sugars in it are what beneficial bacteria and microorganisms eat and makes them proliferate. Plus my grandma told me that, used it, and she had the greenest thumb I've ever seen.
---------- Post added at 02:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:28 PM ----------
PS OW, ya better check out my "rock" thread. I posted a story just for you!
Threaded Mode
