How Many Eggshells Per Tomato Plant?

Tomato plants are a popular choice among home gardeners, but they require the right nutrients and care to grow healthy and strong. One natural and cost-effective way to give your tomato plants the nutrients they need is by using eggshells. Here, we will discuss how many eggshells you should use per tomato plant and the benefits of doing so.

Why Use Eggshells on Tomato Plants?

Eggshells are a fantastic source of calcium, which is essential for tomato plants to grow and develop properly. Calcium deficiency can lead to blossom end rot, a condition that affects the fruit and causes it to spoil before it matures fully. Using eggshells on tomato plants is an excellent way to prevent this from happening, ensuring that your plants can produce healthy and bountiful fruit.

How Many Eggshells Should You Use?

The ideal number of eggshells to use per tomato plant varies depending on various factors, including the age of the plant and the soil's quality. As a general guideline, you should start with three to four crushed eggshells for each tomato plant. If you are using larger eggshells, you may need to use fewer. It's essential to remember that adding too many eggshells can lead to an excess of calcium in the soil, which can cause the plants to wilt or grow abnormally.

Prepping Eggshells for Use

Before using eggshells in your garden, you must prep them correctly. Rinse the eggshells in cool water, and boil them for a few minutes to kill any harmful bacteria. Once cooled, crush the eggshells into small pieces, and spread them over the soil around your tomato plants. You can also add crushed eggshells to your compost pile, where they will break down and add even more nutrients to the soil.

Other Ways to Use Eggshells in Your Garden

While using eggshells on tomato plants is an excellent way to provide calcium, it's not the only way to use them in your garden. You can also use them in the following ways:

1. Pest Control - Eggshells are sharp and abrasive, making them an effective deterrent against slugs, snails, and other pests that can damage your plants.

2. Seed Starters - Fill eggshells with soil and use them as seed starters. Once the seedlings have outgrown the shells, plant them directly into the soil.

3. Fertilizer - Crushed eggshells can be used throughout your garden as an excellent natural fertilizer.

In Conclusion

Adding eggshells to your tomato plants can be a game-changer when it comes to growing healthy and bountiful fruit. Remember to start with three to four crushed eggshells per plant, and prep them correctly before use. And if you have excess eggshells, don't hesitate to use them for pest control, seed starters, or fertilizer throughout your garden. Happy gardening!