How to Make Eggshell Water for Plants
Eggshells are often thrown away after cooking or baking. However, they can actually be reused as a natural fertilizer for your plants. Eggshells are rich in calcium, which is important for plant growth and development. Making eggshell water for your plants is easy and inexpensive. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare the Eggshells
To make eggshell water, you will need to collect several eggshells. Rinse them with water and let them dry. Then, crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can use a mortar and pestle, or put the eggshells in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin or a heavy object.
Step 2: Boil the Eggshells
Once the eggshells are crushed, put them in a pot of water. For every liter of water, add 10-12 eggshells. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This will help kill any bacteria on the eggshells and release the calcium into the water.
Step 3: Let it Cool
After boiling the eggshells, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool. You can leave the eggshells in the water or strain them out using a sieve. Once the water is cool, it’s ready to use on your plants.
Step 4: Use Eggshell Water on Plants
Eggshell water can be used on any type of plant, but it’s particularly beneficial for plants that require a lot of calcium, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Use the eggshell water as a natural fertilizer by pouring it directly onto the soil around the plant. You can use it once a week or as often as you water your plants.
Tips for Using Eggshell Water
If you have a lot of eggshells, you can make a large batch of eggshell water and store it in the fridge. Eggshell water can last up to two weeks in the fridge.
You can also add eggshells directly to the soil around your plants. Simply crush the eggshells and sprinkle them around the base of your plants. Over time, the eggshells will break down and release calcium into the soil.
Another way to use eggshells is to grind them into a fine powder and add them to your potting soil or compost. This will also help add calcium to the soil and promote healthy plant growth.
Conclusion
Making eggshell water for your plants is a simple and effective way to reuse kitchen waste and provide a natural fertilizer for your plants. By following these easy steps, you can give your plants the nutrient-rich boost they need to thrive.