I'm currently dealing with some blossom end rot on my beefsteak and tomato plants, and I've adjusted the watering but it's still an issue. I'm considering making calcium acetate using powdered eggshells soaked in white vinegar to help out my plants. How long should I let the eggshells sit in the vinegar? I've seen videos suggesting the mixture is ready when the shells are completely dissolved and the liquid looks milky, while others say it's ready when the bubbling ceases. What's the best way to tell when it's ready to use?
3 Answers
Yes, you can definitely remove any undissolved eggshells and just use the liquid. Just make sure the bubbling has fully stopped before you do! That’s your sign the reaction is done.
I’d be cautious with vinegar since it can damage plants if not used right. For calcium, you might want to stick to traditional amendments like bone meal or just sprinkle some eggshells directly in the garden. They also have benefits like keeping slugs away!
The bubbling stops when all the vinegar is used up. If everything goes well, you should see all the eggshells dissolved. If there are still some left, it means you didn't have enough vinegar to fully react with them.