Egg shells are an excellent, environmentally friendly fertilizer for your garden.
Egg shells, which are high in calcium and other critical elements, can help enhance the quality of your soil, strengthen your plants, and even discourage pests.
In this detailed blog, we will go over the advantages of utilizing eggshell fertilizer, its nutrient content, a list of plants that benefit from it, and how to blend it with other organic materials like banana peels and coffee grounds for optimal effect.
We will also provide step-by-step guidance for creating and implementing homemade Eggshell fertilizers and sustainable gardening solutions.
The Advantages of EggShell Fertilizer
1. Calcium-Rich Food Sources:
Egg shells are composed of around 95% calcium carbonate, making them a great source of calcium for plants.
Calcium is essential for the formation of strong cell walls, the promotion of healthy root and leaf growth, and the enhancement of fruit quality.
2. Environmentally Friendly and Long-Term:
The use of egg shells as fertilizer minimizes waste as this is a garden waste recycling and is a more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
You are not only saving money, but you are also reducing your carbon footprint.
3. Natutal Pest Management:
Slugs, snails, and cutworms can be deterred naturally by crushed egg shells.
Crushed shells’ jagged edges make it impossible for these soft-bodied pests to walk over, protecting your plants.
Egg Shell Fertiliser Nutrients
While calcium is the most abundant nutrient in egg shells, they also contain trace amounts of other important nutrients. The nutritional composition of eggshell fertilizer is as follows:
1. Approximately 95% calcium
2. Magnesium (0.3%)
3. Phosphorus (0.04%).
4. Potassium (0.03%).
5. Sodium content: 0.16%
Plants Benefiting from Egg Shell Fertiliser
Many plants benefit from eggshell fertilizers, especially those that require a higher calcium intake for optimal growth. The following plants benefit from eggshell fertilizer:
1. Tomatoes
2. Peppers
3. Eggplants
4. Cucumbers
5. Squash
6. Melons
7. Broccoli
8. Cauliflower
9. Cabbage
10. Spinach
How to Make and Use Egg Shell Fertiliser
Now let us talk about eggshell gardening hacks and their uses for organic gardening.
Step 1: Gather and clean the egg shells– Begin by gathering egg shells from your kitchen. Allow them to air-dry after thoroughly rinsing them to remove any egg residue.
Step 2: Crush the Egg Shells– When the egg shells are dry, use a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or blender to crush them into small pieces. For easier application and faster nutrient release, aim for a fine, powdered consistency.
Step 3: Fertilise Your Garden Using Egg Shells– Crushed egg shells can be used in a variety of ways in the garden, including:
a. Dressing on top
Scatter smashed eggshells around the roots of your plants. This strategy is effective for plants that need extra calcium, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
b. Soil Improvement
Before planting or transplanting, incorporate crushed egg shells into the soil. This approach aids in the improvement of soil structure and nutrient content.
Crush eggshells and add them to your compost pile or bin. This will add calcium and other nutrients to the compost, which will then be transported to your garden when you use the final compost.
c. Pest Repellant
Apply crushed egg shells at the base of plants that are vulnerable to slug and snail harm. The sharp edges will keep these pests away from your plants.
Using Egg Shells and Banana Peels
Banana peels are a fantastic source of minerals, particularly potassium, for your garden.
When egg shells and banana peels are combined, they produce a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that benefits a wide range of plants.
Simply follow these steps to use this combination:
1. As previously indicated, collect and clean egg shells.
2. Keep the peels from discarded bananas.
3. Break up the banana peels into small pieces.
4. Make a fine powder out of the eggshells.
5. Combine broken egg shells and sliced banana peels in equal amounts.
6. Apply the mixture to the soil around your plants or compost it.
This mixture will deliver a balanced blend of calcium, potassium, and other necessary nutrients to your plants for healthy growth.
Combining Egg Shells and Coffee Grounds
Coffee grinds, which are high in nitrogen and other nutrients, are another beneficial addition to your garden.
When egg shells and coffee grounds are combined, they form a well-rounded fertilizer that can benefit a wide variety of plants. Follow these steps to use this combination:
1. As previously indicated, collect and clean egg shells.
2. Collect used coffee grounds from your coffee machine.
3. Set aside the coffee grounds to dry.
4. Make a fine powder out of the egg shells.
5. Combine crushed egg shells and dry coffee grounds in equal parts.
6. Apply the mixture to the soil around your plants or compost it.
This combination of egg shells and coffee grounds will feed your plants a variety of nutrients, including calcium, nitrogen, and trace minerals, fostering vigorous growth and overall plant health.
Q: Can I use eggshell fertilizer on any plant?
While Egg Shell Fertiliser Is Especially Beneficial For Plants That Need More Calcium, Such As Tomatoes, Peppers, And Eggplants, It Can Also Be Used On A Wide Range Of Plants.
However, Before Using Egg Shell Fertiliser, It Is Critical To Research The Specific Nutrient Requirements Of The Plants In Your Garden.
Q: How Often Should I Fertilize My Garden Using Egg Shells?
The Frequency Of Application Is Determined By Your Plants’ Individual Needs As Well As The Nutritional Level Of Your Soil.
During The Growing Season, Apply Egg Shell Fertiliser Every 4-6 Weeks To Plants With High Calcium Requirements.
Crushed Egg Shells Can Be Added To Your Compost Bin Or Used As A Soil Amendment At The Start Of The Growing Season For General Garden Use.
Q: Can Egg Shell Fertilizer Be Combined With Other Organic Materials?
Absolutely! Combining Egg Shell Fertiliser With Other Organic Materials Like Banana Peels And Coffee Grounds Can Result In A Nutrient-Rich, Well-Rounded Fertiliser That Benefits A Variety Of Plants.
This Combination Gives A Wide Range Of Nutrients To Your Plants, Including Calcium, Potassium, Nitrogen, And Trace Minerals, Fostering Vigorous Growth And Overall Plant Health.
Q: Can Egg Shells Be Used To Repel Plant Pests?
Yes, Crushed Egg Shells Can Be Used To Deter Soft-Bodied Pests Such As Slugs, Snails, And Cutworms.
The Jagged Edges Of The Broken Shells Provide A Barrier That These Pests Find Difficult To Overcome, Protecting Your Plants From Injury.
Conclusion
Eggshell fertilizer is a long-term, low-cost, and ecologically responsible way to improve the health of your plants.
By utilizing this natural resource, you may offer critical minerals such as calcium to your plants, improve soil quality, and protect them from pests.
Eggshell fertilizer becomes an even more powerful instrument for encouraging plant health and growth when coupled with other organic materials such as banana peels and coffee grounds.
Begin conserving your eggshells right away to gain the advantages of this fantastic organic fertilizer.
My name is Olivia, and I live in the United States and love having plants in my garden. Lots of plants are there on my balcony, indoor and outdoor garden also. Here I am trying to share useful gardening tips, how to grow and care for various plants, etc.
