How to add eggshells to tomato plants

Tomatoes are a popular and rewarding crop for gardeners, but they require certain nutrients to grow healthy and strong. One easy way to provide your tomato plants with the essential calcium they need is to use eggshells. Eggshells are a rich source of calcium carbonate, which can help prevent blossom end rot, a common problem in tomatoes. Here are some tips on how to add eggshells to your tomato plants.

Step 1: Collect and clean eggshells

The first step is to collect and clean eggshells. You can save eggshells from your breakfast, or you can ask friends and family to save theirs. Make sure to rinse them with water to remove any egg residue, and let them dry completely. You can crush them into small pieces, or grind them into a powder using a blender or food processor.

Step 2: Add eggshells to the soil

Once you have cleaned and crushed the eggshells, you can add them to the soil. Spread the crushed eggshells around the base of the tomato plant, making sure to cover the area where the roots grow. Alternatively, you can mix the crushed eggshells into the soil before planting the tomato seedlings. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from the sharp edges of the eggshells.

Step 3: Use eggshells as a fertilizer

You can also use eggshells as a natural fertilizer for your tomato plants. To do this, add the crushed eggshells to a bucket of water and let it sit for a few days. The water will become rich in calcium carbonate, which you can then use to water your tomato plants. This will provide your plants with the essential nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.

Step 4: Use eggshells to deter pests

Eggshells can also be used to deter pests from eating your tomato plants. Crushed eggshells can be sprinkled around the base of the plants to create a barrier that pests like slugs and snails will avoid. You can also make a spray from eggshells and water to repel certain pests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding eggshells to your tomato plants is a simple and effective way to provide them with the calcium they need to grow healthy and strong. Whether you use them as a soil amendment, a fertilizer, or a pest deterrent, eggshells are a natural and eco-friendly solution for your garden. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your tomato harvest!