Using Egg Shells Fertilizer: A Nutritious Boost for Your Garden
As a backyard gardener, balcony gardener, container gardener, or simply a garden enthusiast, you’re always on the lookout for natural and cost-effective ways to nourish your plants. One such method that often goes unnoticed is the use of egg shells fertilizer. Yes, those seemingly insignificant shells can provide a nutritious boost to your garden soil, promoting healthy plant growth and enhancing the overall vitality of your plants.
Why Egg Shells?
Before we dive into the specifics of how to use egg shells fertilizer, let’s understand why they are beneficial for your plants. Egg shells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is a vital nutrient for plant growth. Calcium plays a crucial role in strengthening cell walls, aiding in nutrient absorption, and promoting overall plant health.
Furthermore, egg shells also contain trace amounts of other essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, making them a well-rounded fertilizer option. By incorporating egg shells into your garden, you’re not only providing calcium but also a range of other nutrients that are vital for robust plant development.
How to Use Egg Shells as Fertilizer
Now that we understand the benefits of egg shells let’s explore how you can utilize them in your garden. Here are a few simple methods:
1. Crushed Egg Shells
The easiest way to use egg shells as fertilizer is by crushing them into small pieces. You can do this by hand or use a blender for larger quantities. Once crushed, sprinkle the shells around the base of your plants or directly mix them into the soil. The shells will gradually break down, releasing calcium and other nutrients into the soil, enriching it for your plants.
It’s important to note that egg shells decompose slowly, so the nutrients will be released gradually over time. This slow-release process ensures a steady supply of nutrients for your plants, preventing any sudden nutrient imbalances.
2. Egg Shell Tea
If you prefer a liquid fertilizer option, you can make egg shell tea. To prepare this nutrient-rich concoction, simply collect a handful of crushed egg shells and place them in a container filled with water. Let the mixture sit for a few days, allowing the nutrients to leach into the water. Once ready, strain the liquid and use it to water your plants. This method provides an immediate nutrient boost and can be used as a foliar spray as well.
Plants that Benefit from Egg Shell Fertilizer
Now that you know how to use egg shells as fertilizer, let’s explore some commonly known plants that particularly benefit from this natural soil amendment:
1. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are calcium-loving plants, and incorporating egg shells into the soil can help prevent blossom end rot, a common calcium deficiency disorder. By providing a steady supply of calcium, you’ll ensure healthy fruit development and minimize the risk of rotting.
2. Peppers
Similar to tomatoes, peppers also require ample amounts of calcium for optimal growth. By adding egg shells to the soil, you’ll enhance the calcium levels, resulting in stronger plants and healthier yields.
3. Roses
Roses are notorious for their voracious appetite for nutrients. By incorporating egg shells into the soil, you’ll not only provide calcium but also other essential minerals that roses thrive on. This will result in vibrant blooms and healthier plants overall.
4. Leafy Greens
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and lettuce greatly benefit from the calcium content in egg shells. Calcium deficiency can lead to stunted growth and poor leaf development in these plants. By amending the soil with egg shells, you’ll ensure robust growth and nutrient-dense greens.
5. Fruit Trees
Fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and peach trees, require a significant amount of calcium to produce healthy and flavorful fruits. By incorporating egg shells into the soil around the base of these trees, you’ll provide a natural and long-lasting source of calcium, resulting in bountiful harvests.
Conclusion
As a backyard gardener, balcony gardener, container gardener, or garden enthusiast, you now have a valuable tool at your disposal – egg shells. By utilizing them as fertilizer, you can provide essential nutrients to your plants, promote healthy growth, and enhance the overall vitality of your garden. So, the next time you crack open an egg, don’t discard those shells – give them a new purpose in your garden!
Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, an essential plant nutrient. They can also provide trace amounts of other minerals beneficial for plant growth. Let’s dive into how to turn eggshells into a sustainable, natural fertilizer for your plants.
Benefits of Egg shell Fertilizer
- Improves Soil Structure: Fine eggshell powder can help loosen heavy clay soils and enhance drainage.
- Provides Calcium: Crucial for cell development, fruit formation, and preventing diseases like blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
- Deters Slugs and Snails: Rough eggshell fragments can create an abrasive barrier around plants, deterring these pests.
- Supports Compost: Adds calcium and trace minerals to your compost pile.
- Eco-Friendly & Low Cost: Reduces waste by upcycling kitchen scraps into beneficial garden supplements.
Plants That Thrive with Egg shell Fertilizer
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, squash, and other calcium-loving vegetables benefit immensely.
- Flowering Plants Roses, clematis, and other blooms get a boost for vibrant flowers and strong stems.
- Acid-Loving Plants: Eggshells slightly raise soil pH, aiding blueberries, azaleas, and hydrangeas (if your soil is already alkaline, use with caution).
- Houseplants & Succulents: Many potted plants appreciate supplemental calcium, especially those prone to calcium deficiency.
- Orchids: Some orchid mixes incorporate crushed eggshells for improved drainage and mineral supplementation.
How to Make Eggshell Fertilizer
- Collection: Rinse eggshells and let them air dry completely.
- Methods:
- Powder: Grind dried eggshells in a blender, coffee grinder, or mortar and pestle to a fine powder for faster release of nutrients.
- Crushed: Crush dry eggshells by hand or in a resealable bag for slower release in the soil.
- Liquid Tea: Steep crushed eggshells in a covered jar of water for 1-2 weeks. Strain and use the diluted “tea” for watering.
How to Use Egg shell Fertilizer
- Top Dressing: Sprinkle powder or crushed shells around the base of plants and gently work them into the soil.
- Potted Plants: Mix powder into potting mix or sprinkle crushed egg shell fertilizer on the soil surface.
- Planting Holes: Add a sprinkle of eggshell powder to planting holes for a calcium boost to new transplants.
- Liquid Tea: Dilute eggshell tea with water before applying to plants.
FAQ
- Do egg shell fertilizers attract pests? If thoroughly rinsed, they are unlikely to attract pests.
- How long does egg shell fertilizer take to work? Powder offers faster nutrient release, while crushed shells decompose more slowly.
- Is eggshell fertilizer good for all plants? Acid-loving plants might prefer alternatives if your soil is already alkaline.
- How much egg shell fertilizer should I use?
- For established plants, a handful of crushed eggshells or a tablespoon of powder per plant every 4-6 weeks is a good starting point. Adjust based on pot size or garden bed area.
- Can I use unwashed eggshells?
- it’s best to rinse eggshells to remove any bacteria or residue before using them in your garden.
- Will eggshells decompose quickly?
- Crushed eggshells break down over time, while powder releases nutrients faster.