It is not uncommon for certain household items to benefit plant growth or soil nutrients. In most cases, as a farmer, you don’t even need to spend that much money if you know how to use your kitchen items to benefit your plants!
Tomatoes are one of the most loved and used vegetables in the world and we know that sometimes it’s almost tempting to throw out the tomatoes you buy and start your tomato garden. While this makes sense to you, there are some basic things you need to know to have a successful tomato garden and save money.
Eggs are among the most common things found in almost any kitchen, but have you ever wondered what eggshells can do other than throw them away? We know it may have started as a rumor that eggshells might be good for tomatoes.
However, this is no longer a rumor, it’s true! While some are familiar with the combination of eggshells and tomatoes, many are unaware of how beneficial eggshells can be for their tomatoes. Before we get straight into what eggshells can do, let’s talk a little about tomatoes.
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plant tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most popular vegetables in the world, in addition to being perfect for a variety of dishes; Tomatoes have become a favorite of most gardeners. We like to call it one of the most versatile food products.
Image: Envato ElementsBesides being an excellent source of vitamin C and other nutrients, tomatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow both indoors and outdoors. This is also independent of how they started. Tomatoes love direct sunlight for at least 6 hours, but one of the challenges most tomato gardeners face is getting all the nutrients they need.
If you’re wondering how important eggshells are and how they can benefit tomatoes or any other plant, here it is.
Nutrition Facts Eggshell
| Calcium | 3.4% |
| Magnesium | 0.3% |
| Match | 0.04% |
| potassium | 0.03% |
| Sodium | 0.05% |
| biological | 5% |
Eggshells are made up of certain nutrients that contribute to the overall growth process and nutritional value of tomatoes. These nutrients include calcium carbonate (an important nutrient needed by tomatoes), phosphorus, potassium, etc.
These nutrients not only help in the growth of tomatoes, but also help improve the flavor of tomatoes and protect tomatoes against certain infections, diseases and pests.
6 ways to use eggshells in your tomato garden
Here are ways to use eggshells for tomatoes.
a. shredded
Mulching is a process of applying beneficial materials to the soil. Usually these materials are natural things; they then break down to conform to the ground surface. Eggshell can be used as mulch.
All you have to do is spread your eggshells around the tomato plants, eggshells help retain moisture and also make your garden or pots look better.
2. Eggshell tea
Image: Envato ElementsYes! There’s eggshell tea, but it’s not for humans, your tomato plant will love and appreciate it.
Eggshell tea is a great way to give your plants access to the nutrients that eggshells can provide. To make the eggshell from the tomatoes, you will need to rinse the eggshells to remove any egg residue. Let the eggshells dry completely; crumble the shells and place them in a bowl or jar.
Boil some water and pour it into the eggshell container, keep it until it cools to room temperature, then water your plant with this “tea”, making sure to follow the routine normal watering of tomato plants, even with this tea. Eggshell tea is a very easy way to grow tomatoes indoors.
3. Blossom end rot
If you’re not a new tomato gardener, you’ll agree that a common disease known to affect tomatoes is blossom end rot. Blossom end rot occurs when the top of tomatoes, known as the blossom, rots and turns black due to lack of moisture.
Over time, there have been various solutions to this problem, but an inexpensive and effective remedy is to use eggshells. The shell of the egg contains calcium, this calcium helps in the regularity of the water supply, it also helps to balance the amount of water distributed in each part of the tomatoes.
We recommend restoring your soil with a few eggshells before planting your tomatoes.
Image: Envato Elements4. Compost
Adding eggshells as compost is one of the most direct and effective ways to use eggshells. All you have to do is clean the eggshells to remove any excess egg or yolk.
Wipe up the eggshells and immediately crumble them into the compost used for your tomatoes. We recommend using amendments, for example composted manure, for the healthy growth of your tomatoes.
Another way to introduce eggshells into the soil is to crumble the clean eggshells into the soil just before putting in the seeds or cuttings.
6. Use eggshells as fertilizer for tomato plants.
With eggshell fertilization you can be sure that your plant will get a full biological boost.
A well-known way to break down the calcium in eggs and use eggshells as fertilizer is to use vinegar. First, clean and dry the eggs by crushing them until smooth. Mix crushed eggshells with vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Shake the mixture for about 4 weeks to ensure good mixing.
Simply take a teaspoon of the solution and add it to the water, then spray your tomato plant.
7. Prevent pests
It is common to have crawling insects and pests such as slugs, snails, bedbugs, etc. on your tomato plant. Placing eggshells around your plant or garden will prevent them from accessing your plant. The sharp edges of the eggshells help keep them away.
final thoughts
Using eggshells for your tomatoes doesn’t just give you confidence that your tomatoes are safe and well protected.
Good to know that the flavor of your tomatoes will also increase. The goodness of eggshells is not just limited to tomatoes, it is also known to benefit other edible fruiting plants.
Learn more about growing tomatoes:
- Tomato Companion Plants: 15 Best Plants To Grow With Tomatoes
- Why split tomatoes and how to avoid it?
- Do tomatoes and strawberries grow well together?
- How long does it take for a tomato seed to produce tomatoes?