Did you know that eggshells, which usually end up in the trash, can become a powerful fertilizer for your garden or houseplants? Rich in calcium and other minerals, they represent an excellent natural alternative to industrial fertilizers. Plus, they're completely free!
Using eggshells as a fertilizer is not only easy and environmentally friendly, it also benefits both plants and the soil. Let's learn how to properly prepare them and use them for best results.
Eggshells are mostly composed of calcium carbonate, which is vital to plant health. Calcium helps strengthen plant cell walls, which contributes to a stronger structure and better resistance to disease. In addition, the peels contain smaller amounts of other micronutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium and potassium, which are also essential for plant growth.
How to prepare and use eggshells
Drying and crushing:
Before use, wash the peel well to remove any protein residue. Then dry them and grind them into powder. The finer the husks are ground, the faster they will release calcium into the soil. You can dry the peels in the oven at a low temperature or leave them in the sun.
Fertilizer powder:
Simply sprinkle the eggshell powder around the plants and work it lightly into the soil. This method is especially effective for plants that love higher pH values and need more calcium, such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and some houseplants.
Egg “tea”:
If you want to accelerate the breakdown of calcium, you can prepare liquid fertilizer. Add the shells of 10-20 eggs to a pot of boiling water, let stand overnight, then strain the liquid. Water the plants with this water once a month for extra calcium.
Use in compost:
Eggshells can also be added to compost, where they will contribute to the regulation of the pH value and improve the decomposition of organic substances.
Which plants benefit from eggshells?
Plants that need more calcium and prefer to grow in less acidic soil will benefit the most from eggshells. These include tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and even roses. Eggshells are also great for houseplants such as ivy, ficus and geraniums.
Be careful with the dosage
Although eggshells are a natural fertilizer, care must be taken with the quantity. Excessive application can cause excessive increases in soil pH, which can negatively affect plants that prefer more acidic soils, such as rhododendrons and blueberries.
Additional benefits of eggshells
In addition to the nutritional value for plants, eggshells are also natural agent against some pests, such as snails. The rough texture of the crushed shells can act as a physical barrier to repel these unwanted garden visitors.
Using eggshells as fertilizer is a great way to reduce kitchen waste while improving the health of your plants. Simply dry them, crush them and use them in the garden or in pots. Your plants will thank you and your garden will bloom like never before!
