How Many Eggshells per Tomato Plant?

Tomatoes are a popular fruit to grow in home gardens. They are relatively easy to plant and maintain, and nothing beats the taste of a sun-ripened tomato fresh from your garden. To ensure your tomato plants are healthy and productive, there are several things you can do. One of those things is using eggshells as a natural fertilizer.

Why use eggshells?

Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which is a nutrient that tomato plants need to grow strong and healthy. Calcium helps to strengthen cell walls and prevent fruit from developing blossom end rot, a common disease that causes black spots on the bottom of tomatoes.

Eggshells also contain other minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. They also help to balance the soil's pH level, which can affect how well your plants absorb nutrients.

How to use eggshells as fertilizer?

There are several ways to use eggshells as fertilizer. You can crush them into small pieces and sprinkle them around your tomato plants or bury them in the soil. Alternatively, you can make an eggshell tea by soaking crushed eggshells in water for a few days and then using the water to water your plants.

Before using eggshells, it's best to clean them thoroughly and dry them. You can do this by rinsing them with water and allowing them to air dry or by placing them in an oven for a few minutes until they are dry and brittle.

How many eggshells should you use?

The amount of eggshells you should use depends on several factors, including the size of your tomato plants and the quality of your soil. As a general rule, you can use about one eggshell per tomato plant. If you have a large plant or poor soil quality, you may need to use more.

It's also important not to use too many eggshells, as this can lead to an excess of calcium in the soil, which can affect the plant's ability to absorb other nutrients.

Conclusion

Using eggshells as fertilizer can be an effective and natural way to supply your tomato plants with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. By following the tips above, you can use eggshells in moderation and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious tomatoes.