Making eggshell fertilizer is a great way to recycle kitchen waste and add extra nutrients to your garden. Eggshells are high in calcium, phosphorous, and potassium, beneficial for plant growth and soil health.
Unlike synthetic fertilizers, eggshell fertilizer is slow-release and won’t burn your plants. Plus, you don’t have to worry about over-feeding your plants.
One thing to note is that the shells alone won’t offer a complete spectrum of nutrients for your garden, so you’ll still need to supplement with other organic fertilizers as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eggshell Fertilizer
Below are a few things you may want to pay attention to before we get to the nitty-gritty of how to prepare this all-natural and inexpensive fertilizer.
Should you wash eggshells before composting?
You don’t have to wash eggshells before composting, but it’s good to clean them if they’re dirty. Washing the eggshells will help remove any bacteria potentially harming your plants. Most gardeners do choose a gentle washing for that reason.
Are ground eggshells good fertilizer?
Ground eggshells are an excellent source of nutrients for your plants.
The calcium in eggshells helps promote strong cell walls and prevents blossom end rot, while the other minerals help with plant growth and fertility.
Which plants like eggshell fertilizer?
Almost all plants will benefit from eggshell fertilizer, but it’s perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and roses.
How do you make CalPhos with eggshells?
Calcium phosphate, or CalPhos, is a fertilizer made from calcium carbonate and phosphoric acid. It’s a great source of phosphorus and calcium for plants, and it’s easy to make at home with eggshells.
To make CalPhos, you’ll need 1 part eggshells to 2 parts phosphoric acid. First, grind the eggshells into a fine powder, then mix them with the phosphoric acid in a glass jar, and let it sit for 2-3 weeks.
After that, you can use the CalPhos as a soil amendment or foliar spray.
Do eggshells make plants grow faster?
There’s no evidence to suggest that eggshells make plants grow faster, but they do contain nutrients that can help promote healthy growth.
How long does it take eggshells to decompose?
It takes eggshells about six weeks to decompose. However, if you grind them up into a powder, they’ll break down much faster.
How do you use eggshells as fertilizer?
There are mainly two ways to use eggshells as fertilizer: composting and direct application.
Composting: Composting crushed eggshells is the easiest way to use them as fertilizer. Just add the crunched-up eggshells to your compost pile, and they’ll break down over time and release their nutrients into the soil.
Making fertilizer: If you want to use eggshells as a fertilizer right away, you can apply them directly to the soil around your plants. Eggshells can be added whole or ground up into a powder (use your food processor or coffee grinder). Just scatter them around the base of your plants, and they’ll slowly release their nutrients into the soil. Keep reading. We will give you complete instructions below.
How do you fertilize with crushed eggshells?
There are a few different ways to use crushed eggshells as fertilizer.
The first is to mix them into the soil around your plants. You can also top-dress your plants with a layer of eggshells or make a tea by steeping eggshells in water and then watering your plants with it. You can also plant your seeds in the half-shells for solid and robust seedlings.
3 Ways to Make Eggshell Fertilizer: Powdered, Liquid Eggshell “Tea,” and Eggshell “Planting Pots
Here are three “recipes” for using eggshells in your garden.
How to make powdered eggshell fertilizer
You might be asking yourself, “How do I prepare eggshells for fertilizer?” Here is a basic, easy method to follow. For maximum nutrient benefit by the plants, consider crushing the shells before application.
To prepare your crushed eggshell fertilizer:
- Collect eggshells from cooked eggs. Rinse them off well.
- Bake them in the oven at 325° for fifteen minutes–this makes them more brittle and easier to crush.
- Take a mortar and pestle, food processor, or coffee grinder and crush the dried eggshells into a fine powder. You can use a zip-top bag and rolling pin if you don’t have a mortar and pestle.
- You can then add the crushed shells to your compost pile or directly to the soil around your plants.
For best results, regularly mix them into the top few inches of soil and water. The eggshells will slowly release their nutrients and give your plants a boost.
Alternatively, brew eggshells tea (below).
Brewing eggshell fertilizer tea
Brewing eggshells into a “tea” is probably the most popular way to put them to use in your garden.
- Boil the shells of ten eggs in one gallon of water.
- Let the water cool completely.
- Transfer the liquid into a large watering bucket with a cover.
- Let it steep (covered to keep critters out!) for 24 hours.
- The tea can be poured directly around the base of your plants from the watering can.
- Apply this calcium-rich fertilizer once per month.
How often should you put eggshells in your garden?
- You can apply eggshell fertilizer to your plants every four weeks.
- If you’re using it as a top dressing, add a layer of mulch over the eggshells to help prevent them from washing away.
Starting Seeds in Eggshell “Planters”
Here is a final way to deliver the healthful nutrients of eggs to your plants. When you crack your egg, save the two halves–and recycle the egg cartons. Wash out the eggshells (carefully!) and add each half into a slot in the egg carton. Fill them with potting soil and start your seeds in a fertile environment.
When it’s time to transplant the seedlings, just dig the correct size hole and pop the whole thing into the ground!
The Takeaway: Eggshells Add Valuable Nutrients to Your Garden
Eggshells are a great way to add extra nutrients to your garden. They’re rich in calcium, phosphorus, and potassium, essential for plant growth. Plus, they’re slow-release and won’t burn your plants. So if you’re looking for a natural way to nourish your garden, eggshells are an excellent option.
Try making your own eggshell fertilizer today!
Today, she also serves as a content producer and sometimes editor. Her vast (and often surprising!) skillset enables her to conquer any challenges.
She loves writing about gardening, wellness, and raising healthy children. As a full-time author and parent of two children, Maureen knows a trick or two on these topics.
After gaining valuable experience in blogging and content production with the DIY Home & Garden team, Maureen branched out and started her own publication, as well. Now, she proudly publishes the website: The Perfect Parenting Place.
