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A garden is only as good as the ground that it's planted in. Discussion forum for the many ways to improve the soil where we plant our gardens.

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Old September 12, 2012   #1
Andybear
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Default crushed oyster-shells

Can I put crushed oyster shells into my tomato growing soil or will it affect the ph?
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Old September 12, 2012   #2
RayR
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Since oyster-shell is mostly Calcium Carbonate, the simple answer is yes it can raise soil PH, but the simple answer doesn't always mean it will since different types of soils have different buffering properties.

Read here about soil PH management
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Old September 12, 2012   #3
greentiger87
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What are you putting them there.. for? Crushed oyster shells can be really high in sodium, so watch out for that too.
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Old September 12, 2012   #4
RayR
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Quote:
Originally Posted by greentiger87 View Post
What are you putting them there.. for? Crushed oyster shells can be really high in sodium, so watch out for that too.
Oyster shells are right around 95% Calcium Carbonate, the remainder is trace minerals. You would think that if there were any Sodium salts that they would be on the outside of the shell.
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Old September 13, 2012   #5
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Well yeah, I guess I could have been more clear. Bagged, crushed oyster shell tends to have a lot of leftover salt residue. I really damaged a couple of potted plants once trying to use it as an amendment.
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Old September 13, 2012   #6
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I think you are right there, in order to use oyster shell in horticulture, they have to be washed thoroughly to remove the salt residue or left outside exposed to the elements for some time and let the rain do it.
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