How Much Eggshells for a Pot Plants

When it comes to gardening, there's no shortage of creative ways to enrich soil, but using eggshells as a natural fertilizer is one of the most popular. Gardeners swap stories about the benefits of this technique, but the question remains: how much eggshells should you use for your pot plants?

The Benefits of Eggshells

Eggshells are a natural source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential minerals for plant growth. They also contain nitrogen, which helps plants grow leaves and other above-ground structures. Additionally, eggshells are porous, which makes them an excellent choice for drainage in potted plants. All of these benefits make using eggshells an attractive option for any gardener.

How to Prepare Eggshells for Use

Before using eggshells in your pot plants, they must first be prepared. Begin by washing eggshells in warm water and then allowing them to dry. Once they are dry, crush the eggshells into small pieces. This step is important as it makes the eggshells easier for the plants to absorb the nutrients. Finally, the eggshells must be added to the potting soil.

How Much Eggshells Should You Use?

The amount of eggshells you should use in a pot plant depends on the size of the pot and the particular plant or plants being grown. A good rule of thumb is to add one eggshell per planting hole, or one handful of crushed shells per two gallons of potting soil. This will provide the necessary amount of calcium, potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen that your plants need to thrive.

Other Ways to Use Eggshells in Your Garden

Eggshells are not limited to use only as a natural fertilizer. They can also be used for other purposes in the garden. For example, they can be used to deter slugs and snails, which cannot crawl over the sharp edges of the crushed shells. Additionally, eggshells can be used as a mulch to retain moisture in the soil and to prevent weeds from growing. There are many other benefits of using eggshells in your garden, so be sure to experiment and see what works best for you.

In Conclusion

Using eggshells in pot plants is an easy and effective way to provide essential nutrients to your plants. By following these simple steps to prepare and add eggshells to your potting soil, you'll be well on your way to healthier and happier plants. Don't forget to try using eggshells for other purposes in your garden as well!