How much crushed eggshell per tomato plant?
Tomato plants need a good amount of nutrition in order to produce fruits effectively. One important nutrient that helps tomato plants grow healthy is calcium. Crushed eggshell is a cheap and easy source of calcium that you can use to fertilize your tomato plants. But how much crushed eggshell should you use per tomato plant?
The benefits of using crushed eggshells as fertilizer for tomato plants
Eggshells are rich in calcium, which is important for the growth and development of tomato plants. Calcium helps the plants develop strong cell walls and improves the fruit's quality. Eggshells also contain some other minerals like magnesium and potassium, which are beneficial for tomato plants.
Crushed eggshells are easy to obtain, and they are a natural source of calcium. Using eggshells reduces waste and also helps you save some money on fertilizers. Moreover, eggshells are eco-friendly: using them as fertilizers does not pollute the environment.
How much crushed eggshell to use per tomato plant
The amount of crushed eggshell to use per tomato plant varies depending on the size of the plant and the soil condition. Generally, you can use up to one eggshell per tomato plant. However, anything from half an eggshell to two eggshells is acceptable.
You can either crush the eggshells into tiny pieces and sprinkle them on the soil, or mix them with your compost. It is important to note that the eggshells should be crushed into small pieces, as large pieces will not decompose quickly, and it might take a long time for the calcium to become available to the plants.
When to apply crushed eggshell to tomato plants
You can add crushed eggshell to the soil anytime during the growing period of the tomato plants. However, it is recommended to add them when planting the seedlings or transplanting the plants. Adding eggshells before planting the seeds can help provide enough calcium for the young roots to grow. Similarly, when transplanting, applying crushed eggshell to the planting hole can help establish the new roots quickly.
For established tomato plants, you can add the crushed eggshells when you add other fertilizers or nutrient supplements to the soil. Do not add the eggshells too late in the growing period, as the plants may not have enough time to absorb the nutrients.
Conclusion
Using crushed eggshells as a fertilizer for your tomato plants is an easy and cost-effective way to provide the plants with calcium and other important nutrients. Remember to crush the eggshells into small pieces, and use about one eggshell per tomato plant. You can add the eggshells to the soil during the growing period, but it is best to add them when planting the seedlings or transplanting the plants. With proper care and nutrition, your tomato plants should grow healthy and produce abundant fruits.