Crab Shell Meal 4-4-0 +18% Ca

Crab Shell Meal 4-4-0 +18% Ca

Soil-Building Amendment with Chitin and Calcium for Plant Strength and Natural Pest Resistance

Crab Shell Meal is a regenerative soil amendment made from ground crab shells-naturally rich in chitin, nitrogen, and calcium. This 4-4-0 fertilizer enhances long-term soil fertility, encourages beneficial microbial life, and supports plant immunity and structure. Especially effective in gardens and orchards, it benefits fruiting vegetables, flowering perennials, and heavy feeders, while also serving as a natural pest deterrent.

Key Characteristics

• Chitin Feeds Soil Biology and Suppresses Pests
  The chitin in crab shell meal stimulates the growth of beneficial microbes and fungi-especially Streptomyces-that naturally suppress root-feeding nematodes, grubs, and fungal pathogens. This makes it a critical amendment for pest-prone soils and organic systems.

• High Calcium for Blossom End Rot and Fruit Development
  With 18% calcium, this amendment strengthens plant cell walls and prevents calcium-related issues in crops like tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, and squash. Brassicas and fruiting shrubs also benefit from increased resilience and better yields.

• Garden Use and Application Rates

  • Garden beds: Mix 5-10 lbs per 100 sq ft into the top 2-4 inches of soil before planting.

  • Transplants: Add 1-2 tablespoons per planting hole for vegetables or flowers.

  • Fruit trees & shrubs: Spread 1-2 lbs per tree around the drip line in spring or fall.

  • Compost activation: Add 1-2 cups per cubic foot to accelerate breakdown and microbial activity.

• Improves Soil Structure and Fertility Over Time
  Increases organic matter content, improves aeration and water retention, and supports a healthy soil food web. Especially valuable in building long-term tilth in both sandy and clay soils.

• Best For These Crops and Systems

  • Tomatoes, peppers, melons, squash, cucumbers

  • Brassicas: cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower

  • Berry bushes, fruit trees, flowering perennials

  • Compost piles and regenerative food forest soils

  • Fruit tree guilds and no-till market gardens

Product Details

• Type: Organic soil amendment

• Source: Ground crustacean shells (crab)

• NPK: 4-4-0

• Calcium: ~18%

• Application Timing: Early spring, fall, or at planting

• Best For: Fruiting vegetables, brassicas, shrubs, fruit trees, compost systems

• Soil Impact: Adds nitrogen and calcium, improves structure, activates beneficial microbes, deters soil pests

• Form: Coarse meal

• Application Rate: 5-10 lbs/100 sq ft; 1-2 cups per planting hole; 1-2 lbs per tree

Crab Shell Meal is a standout amendment for organic gardeners and regenerative growers. Whether you're amending vegetable beds, tending to fruit trees, or feeding compost piles, this nutrient-dense input delivers long-term benefits to your soil and crops.