Are Egg Shells Good for Potted Plants? Archives

Everyone eats eggs, but they don't eat the eggshells. These get thrown away in the garbage. You love what is inside the eggshells, but plants love what is outside. Eggshells in potted plants can provide a lot of nutritional boosts. It's common practice to eat the egg and throw away the shells. What a waste! Eggshells contain numerous minerals that plants need to grow strong and healthy. They're great for potted plants as they add extra nutrients not easily found in commercial fertilizers. Whether eggshells, powdered eggshells or eggshell tea. It works. Minerals in Eggshells that are Beneficial to Potted Plants Eggshells contain minerals that can promote the healthy growth of your potted plants. Minerals in eggshells are only trace minerals so they can only supplement the fertilizers you use in your plants. Eggshells are additional sources of nutrients that are harder to find in commercial fertilizer formulas. Calcium Eggshells are high in calcium. About one half of the volume of an eggshell consists of calcium carbonate. Calcium helps to support the membranes and plant cell walls, which maintain the plant's flowering properties and enhance the plant's water usage. Potassium Potassium helps in photosynthesis and fighting off diseases. It also builds up proteins. Nitrogen Nitrogen promotes new growth and the plant's healthy green color. Magnesium Plants need magnesium for enzyme usage and chlorophyll production Phosphorus Aids with strength and the growth of roots. It also stimulates the flowering and blossoming of plants. Potted plants do not have access to minerals that are on the ground. You can use eggshells in potted plants as a suitable replacement for these minerals. The mineral content of eggshells provides plants with added nutrients but can also help prevent blossom-end rot. So, please don't throw away eggshells because your potted plants can benefit a lot from them. How to Use Eggshells in Potted Plants Eggshells will decompose in the soil. It will then leave its nutrients for your plants to take in. You can use eggshells in potted plants to boost the growth of your plants in many clever ways: Eggshells are Natural Fertilizers Eggshells are natural fertilizers because they can improve the soil in your potted plants. Eggshells can provide your potted plants with much-needed calcium. Calcium is a common ingredient of commercial fertilizers. Eggshells have high calcium content. Calcium helps develop a solid cellular structure in plants. Eggshells also help in soil aeration, making it easier for plants to have a robust cellular system. There Are Three Ways To Use Eggshells In Potted Plants As Natural Fertilizers: Dig the eggshells into the soil. As they degrade, they will release calcium and other minerals into the ground. They will also improve the texture, drainage, and aeration of the soil. Pulverize the eggshells and sprinkle them on the surface of the soil. They will break down over time and release minerals into the ground. Wash the eggshells (interior and exterior) with warm water using your sink sprayer. Rinse well until all protein in the shells has been washed away. Place the eggshells on a kitchen or paper towel and allow them to dry overnight. Toss the eggshells in a blender or egg processor. Keep blending until the eggshells are in powder form. Place the shell mixture into the soil of your potted plant and around the plant. Water your plant. Fertilize your plants with eggshells only once a year. Too much eggshell fertilizer can make the pH level of the soil too high. Make Fertilizer Tea Crush the eggshells. Add the eggshells to boiling water and allow them to steep overnight. Pour the eggshell tea onto the soil. Eggshells Provide Natural Drainage for Potted Plants You can place crumble eggshells to the bottom of the pot to increase drainage. This is a good idea for calcium-hungry plants because the minerals from the eggshells will go directly to the roots of your plant. Eggshells can Act as a Natural Pest Control Eggshells can act as organic pest control because they can get rid of insects and mites. They can effectively deal with slugs, snails, and other pests, too. Crush the eggshells into a fine powder with a mixer or grinder. Sprinkle them onto the soil or around the plant. The eggshells will not immediately kill the pests, but they will die slowly after a few days. Henceforth, your potted plants will be free from pest attacks. Eggs Shells Can Be Used To Water Plants You typically water your potted plants with plain water - purified or filtered water instead of tap water. You can make calcium-rich eggshell tea and use it to water your potted plants. Leave crushed eggshells overnight in boiling water. Strain the eggshells and use the tea to water your potted plants. Line the Bottom of your Pot with Eggshells Before repotting your plant, line the bottom of your pot with clean and crushed eggshells. Do not crush the eggshells too much. The eggshells should not go through the drainage holes of your pot, so the soil remains in the pot. Eggshells will be a good source of calcium for your plant. How to Prepare Eggshells for Potted Plants Before you toss bits of eggshell or eggshell powder to your potted plants, make sure to clean them first thoroughly. Use hot water to rinse eggshells Lay the eggshells on a paper towel. Allow the eggshells to dry overnight or up to two days. If you do not want to wait, you can sanitize the eggshells by boiling them. If you wish to the eggshells to dry faster, place them in an oven. Run the oven at 2000F for 20 minutes. You can store eggshell powder if you place the powder in a closed container and in a dry location. How can you Crush Eggshells? Other than using a grinder or mixer, there are different techniques to crush eggshells. You Can Use Any Of These Kitchen Tools: Mortar and pestle Rolling pin Any heavy object (brick, rock, or can) Mallet or hammer You can also place the eggshells inside a heavy plastic bag. Step on it while wearing shoes or crush them with your garden gloved hands. Eggshell Planters Other than tossing or sprinkling eggshells into your potted plants, you can use the eggshells to plant seeds or for propagation. Extract the egg yolk and egg white by piercing the tip of the egg with a needle. You can then use your fingers to make the hole big enough for the yolk and white to pour out. Wash, rinse, and dry the eggshell. Make several tiny holes using your needle in the bigger rounder side of the eggshell. This will be for drainage and for expanding roots. Place the eggshell in a stand or egg carton. Fill your eggshell planter with potting soil (about 3/4 full). Use your finger to dig a hole in the soil. Add your seeds and pat the soil firmly. If you are propagating, lay the cutting on the soil. You can care for your plants the same way you would any plant. You can repot your plant into a bigger pot when it matures. Final Thoughts Whether you eat eggs every day or occasionally, do not waste the natural minerals eggshells can provide for your potted plants. When you use eggshells on your potted, you not only help your plants grow healthier and more robust, but you are also reducing your trash. Remember, though, that while there are many benefits of eggshells in potted plants, it can take several months for them to break down in the soil and for the plant's roots to absorb them fully. Do not place eggs shells or eggshell powder often in your potted plants. Once or twice a year will be sufficient. Jenny Marie Tribal Writer Edited By Patricia Godwin