When to Put Eggshells on Tomato Plants

As a gardener, you may have heard about the benefits of adding eggshells to your tomato plants. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which tomatoes need for proper growth and development. However, many gardeners are unsure of when and how to use eggshells in their tomato garden. In this article, we will explore when to put eggshells on tomato plants and how to apply them for maximum benefit.

Preparing Eggshells for Tomato Plants

Before putting eggshells on your tomato plants, you need to prepare them. You can do this by washing and drying the eggshells, and then crushing them into small pieces. You can use a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or even a blender to crush the eggshells. Once the eggshells are crushed, put them in a container and store them until you are ready to add them to your tomato garden.

When to Add Eggshells to Tomato Plants

The best time to add eggshells to your tomato plants is before planting them. This will allow the eggshells to break down and release calcium into the soil. If you are planning to add eggshells to an already established tomato plant, wait until after the plant has produced fruit to avoid disturbing the root system.

If you have missed the opportunity to add eggshells before planting your tomatoes, you can still add them later in the season. However, the benefits will not be as great as if you had added them beforehand.

How to Apply Eggshells to Tomato Plants

There are several ways to apply eggshells to your tomato plants. One way is to place the crushed eggshells directly in the soil around the base of the plant. Another method is to add the crushed eggshells to compost and then mix the compost into the soil around the tomato plants.

You can also make a tea from the eggshells by boiling them in water for several minutes. Let the mixture cool, and then pour it around the tomato plants. This method provides a quick boost of calcium to the plants.

Benefits of Adding Eggshells to Tomato Plants

Adding eggshells to your tomato plants has several benefits. First, the calcium in eggshells prevents blossom end rot, which is a common problem in tomato plants. Blossom end rot occurs when there is a calcium deficiency in the soil, causing the bottoms of the tomatoes to rot.

Second, the calcium in eggshells promotes strong root growth in tomato plants, which helps them to absorb nutrients and water more efficiently. Strong roots also help the plants to withstand environmental stressors such as drought and high temperatures.

Conclusion

Adding eggshells to your tomato plants can provide a much-needed source of calcium, promote strong root growth, and prevent blossom end rot. By crushing the eggshells and adding them to the soil or making a tea from them, you can give your tomato plants the nutrients they need for healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. Remember to add the eggshells before planting, or after the plant has produced fruit to avoid disturbing the root system. Happy gardening!