Introduction

Egg shells are commonly discarded into trashcans, but have you ever thought of using them to help your plants grow better? One of the most popular ways that egg shells are used as a fertilizer for plants is by making egg shell water. This is a simple process where you soak egg shells in water for a period of time, and then use the resulting solution to water your plants. In this article, we will explore whether egg shell water really helps plants grow better.

What's in Egg Shells?

Egg shells are mostly composed of calcium carbonate, which is a mineral that is essential for plant growth. Calcium is used by plants to build cell walls, which help the plant to stand upright and resist pests and diseases. Without enough calcium, plants may develop diseases like blossom-end rot, which causes the fruit to rot before it is mature. So, by using egg shells as a source of calcium, you can help your plants to grow stronger and healthier.

How to Make Egg Shell Water

To make egg shell water, start by rinsing out the egg shells and removing any remaining egg white or yolk. Then, crush the shells into small pieces and place them in a jar or container. Fill the container with water, covering the shells completely. Allow the mixture to sit for several days, stirring occasionally. As the shells soak in the water, they will release calcium and other minerals into the solution. Once the water turns slightly brown and smells slightly dirty, strain out the egg shell pieces and pour the egg shell water into a separate container. This is the solution that you can use to water your plants.

Does Egg Shell Water Really Help Plants?

Many gardeners swear by the benefits of using egg shell water to help their plants grow better. The calcium and other minerals in the egg shells are believed to help strengthen plant cell walls, which improves the plant's overall health and resilience. Additionally, the egg shell water may help to balance the pH of the soil, making it more hospitable to beneficial microbes and fungi that can help plants to grow better. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and more research is needed to determine whether egg shell water is really an effective fertilizer for plants.

Other Benefits of Egg Shells for Plants

Even if egg shell water doesn't have the miraculous benefits that some people claim, there are still good reasons to use egg shells as a fertilizer for your plants. For one thing, they are low-cost and eco-friendly, since they can be composted along with other organic matter. Additionally, egg shells can help to deter pests like slugs and snails, which may be discouraged by the sharp edges of the crushed shells. So, even if you're not sold on the idea of using egg shell water to water your plants, it's still a good idea to start saving your egg shells for your garden.

Conclusion

So, does egg shell water help plants? While the jury is still out on the so-called magical benefits of egg shell water, there is no doubt that egg shells are a good source of calcium and other minerals that can be helpful for plant growth. Whether you choose to make egg shell water or simply crush up egg shells to add to your compost, using egg shells is an easy and eco-friendly way to give your plants a boost. So, start saving those egg shells, and watch your garden thrive!