Do Eggshells Help Tomato Plants?

Tomato plants require numerous nutrients to thrive, including calcium, which is essential for strong and healthy cell walls in the plant. One method that some gardeners use to supply calcium to their tomato plants is by adding crushed eggshells to their garden soil. But does this actually help the plants? Let’s take a closer look.

Benefits of Adding Eggshells to Soil

Eggshells are made primarily of calcium carbonate, which is a slow-release fertilizer that can provide calcium to plants over an extended period of time. The calcium in eggshells can help prevent blossom-end rot, which is a common problem for tomato plants. In addition, crushed eggshells can help to aerate soil and improve drainage, which is beneficial for most plants including tomatoes.

How to Use Eggshells in the Garden

If you are considering using eggshells in your garden, here are some steps to follow:

Collect your eggshells and rinse them thoroughly to remove any egg residue

Allow the eggshells to dry completely

Crush the eggshells into small pieces, either by hand or by using a food processor

Add the crushed eggshells to the soil around the base of your tomato plants, taking care not to damage the plant’s roots

Other Ways to Provide Calcium to Tomato Plants

If you are concerned about the efficacy of using eggshells to supply calcium to your tomato plants, there are other options available. These include:

Using bone meal, which is a fast-release fertilizer that is high in calcium

Applying gypsum, which is a soil conditioner that supplies calcium while also improving soil structure and drainage

Using a fertilizer specifically designed for tomatoes that contains calcium, such as a 5-10-5 or 10-10-10 fertilizer

Conclusion

Adding crushed eggshells to your garden soil can indeed help to supply calcium to your tomato plants, although the results may be slow to appear over time. In addition to eggshells, there are other options such as bone meal, gypsum, and tomato-specific fertilizers that can provide calcium and other essential nutrients to tomato plants. Regardless of the method you choose, providing adequate calcium to tomato plants is important for strong and healthy growth.