Here are benefits and drawbacks to using eggshells in the garden.
Using eggshells on plants is a common practice among gardeners, with several potential benefits.
One of the primary advantages is that eggshells are a natural source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Calcium helps strengthen cell walls, which can prevent issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
Eggshells can improve soil aeration and drainage when crushed and mixed into the soil, creating a more favorable environment for root development. They also serve as a mild deterrent to pests like slugs and snails, which find the sharp edges uncomfortable to crawl over.
There are also drawbacks to using eggshells in gardening.
The decomposition of eggshells is a slow process, meaning that the calcium and other nutrients they contain are not immediately available to plants. This slow release can limit the effectiveness of eggshells as a quick nutrient boost compared to other fertilizers.
And if not properly cleaned, eggshells can attract unwanted pests such as rodents, which might be drawn to the residual egg matter. There is also the risk that large pieces of eggshells might take longer to break down, potentially becoming unsightly or causing clumps in the soil.
For those willing to take the time to prepare and crush the eggshells finely, they can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly addition to the garden.
Here is additional reading on the topic
Are eggshells actually good for plants? Garden pros settle the debate
Gardening with eggshells
Eggshell Tea Recipe for Houseplants
credit: Brightly
You've probably heard of making a compost tea for your plants in order to give them a nutritional boost. You can also make an eggshell tea that can be easily absorbed by your houseplants.
Creating an eggshell tea is simple. First, rinse and dry your eggshells. Once dry, boil some water. As you're waiting for the water to heat up, crumble the eggshells with your hands. Wear gloves if you wish.
Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add the crumbled eggshells. Let the mixture steep, just like you would your favorite tea. Once the water reaches room temperature, strain out the eggshells and add them to your compost bin. You can now use the calcium-rich tea to water your plants.
Plants that don't like eggshells: blueberries, geraniums, strawberries, kale, cabbage, hydrangea, and any plants that prefer decidedly acidic soils.
One of the primary advantages is that eggshells are a natural source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Calcium helps strengthen cell walls, which can prevent issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
Eggshells can improve soil aeration and drainage when crushed and mixed into the soil, creating a more favorable environment for root development. They also serve as a mild deterrent to pests like slugs and snails, which find the sharp edges uncomfortable to crawl over.
There are also drawbacks to using eggshells in gardening.
The decomposition of eggshells is a slow process, meaning that the calcium and other nutrients they contain are not immediately available to plants. This slow release can limit the effectiveness of eggshells as a quick nutrient boost compared to other fertilizers.
And if not properly cleaned, eggshells can attract unwanted pests such as rodents, which might be drawn to the residual egg matter. There is also the risk that large pieces of eggshells might take longer to break down, potentially becoming unsightly or causing clumps in the soil.
For those willing to take the time to prepare and crush the eggshells finely, they can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly addition to the garden.
Here is additional reading on the topic
Are eggshells actually good for plants? Garden pros settle the debate
Gardening with eggshells
Eggshell Tea Recipe for Houseplants
credit: Brightly
You've probably heard of making a compost tea for your plants in order to give them a nutritional boost. You can also make an eggshell tea that can be easily absorbed by your houseplants.
Creating an eggshell tea is simple. First, rinse and dry your eggshells. Once dry, boil some water. As you're waiting for the water to heat up, crumble the eggshells with your hands. Wear gloves if you wish.
Once the water is boiling, remove the pot from the heat and add the crumbled eggshells. Let the mixture steep, just like you would your favorite tea. Once the water reaches room temperature, strain out the eggshells and add them to your compost bin. You can now use the calcium-rich tea to water your plants.
Plants that don't like eggshells: blueberries, geraniums, strawberries, kale, cabbage, hydrangea, and any plants that prefer decidedly acidic soils.