Are Eggshells Good For Plants?

If you’re considering using eggshells in your garden, you might be thinking if they’re good for the plants. Eggshells contain calcium, which helps to form strong cell walls. This calcium also helps plants absorb nutrients. They are a great source of potassium and iron, which are both essential for plant growth. However, eggshells should not be used in place of fertiliser.

Natural Way to Add Nutrients

Adding eggshells to your garden soil is a natural and risk-free way to give nutrients to the soil. Make sure to compost the shells properly to avoid introducing harmful microorganisms to the site.

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Sterilise Eggshells Before Use

When eggshells are sterilised before being used, the best possible results are produced. It is recommended to soak them for a couple of hours before using them. You can then immediately grind the shells into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or a pestle and mortar. After mixing it with a little water, you can then sprinkle this powder over all of your potted indoor plants. 

Prevent Blossom End Rot

Calcium is a mineral required for the growth of healthy plants that when insufficient, causes blossom end rot. When plants lose calcium, they develop black blisters that decay on their leaves. The benefit of eggshells is that they protect against blossom end rot.

Source of Calcium

Eggshells provide a balanced, continuous and natural source of calcium. Your plants’ ability to take in nutrients is boosted by the calcium carbonate that makes up these shells. Eggshells also include zinc, phosphorus, and manganese. 

Alternative to Synthetic Fertilisers

Eggshells are a great alternative for synthetic fertilisers. Using eggshells instead of synthetic fertiliser reduces the risk of introducing harmful chemicals into your garden. As they break down over a few months to a year, eggshells gradually raise the calcium level of the soil in your garden.

Deterrent for Pests

Additionally, eggshells are a superb pest deterrent. Slug and snail problems are common in the garden. You can prevent these pests from damaging your plants by using crushed eggshells to your garden.

Before adding eggshells to your garden soil, you should verify the pH level of the soil depending on the kind of plant you are nurturing. Most gardens benefit from a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can assess whether or not your soil requires more nutrients by keeping a close check on the pH of your soil.