Does Egg Shell Water Help Plants?
Yes, eggshell water can benefit plants, but the method of application is key. While eggshells themselves contain calcium and potassium, which are beneficial plant nutrients, the water from boiling eggs offers a minimal amount of these nutrients. The real benefit lies in using crushed eggshells directly in the soil.
- Calcium Source: Eggshells are primarily calcium carbonate. This provides calcium, crucial for strong cell walls, healthy root growth, and preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes. [Source: Masterclass, Southern Living, Quora]
- Slow-Release Fertilizer: Crushed eggshells slowly release calcium into the soil, providing a sustained supply for plants. [Source: Masterclass, Get Strong Animals]
- Soil Improvement: Adding crushed eggshells improves soil structure, enhancing drainage and aeration. [Source: Get Strong Animals]
The Role of Eggshell Water
While the water from boiled eggs contains some calcium and potassium, the quantity is negligible. The reference mentioning 4mg of calcium and potassium in eggshell-infused water highlights this limited nutrient content. [Source: Southern Living] The benefits observed by some may be attributed to other factors rather than the water itself. For instance, the anecdotal evidence about improved plant health could be due to improved soil conditions resulting from later use of the crushed eggshells. [Source: Intelligent Domestications]
Best Practices
- Crush Eggshells: Don't use whole eggshells; crush them into a fine powder for optimal nutrient release into the soil. [Source: Southern Living, Masterclass]
- Direct Soil Application: Mix crushed eggshells directly into the soil around your plants, or incorporate them into the planting hole. [Source: Get Strong Animals, Tiffany McCauley]
- Avoid Vinegar Soaking: Soaking eggshells in vinegar dissolves the calcium carbonate, making the calcium less available to plants. [Source: Reddit]
Conclusion
Eggshells, when crushed and added directly to the soil, provide valuable calcium and improve soil structure, aiding plant growth. The water from boiling eggs provides minimal nutritional benefit.
