Can You Put Egg Shells in Water for Plants?
Yes, you can use eggshells to improve your plants' health by adding calcium. Eggshells are a readily available, natural source of calcium carbonate, a beneficial nutrient for many plants. However, plants can't directly absorb calcium carbonate. Therefore, processing the eggshells is crucial for making the calcium accessible to the plants.
There are several ways to utilize eggshells to benefit your plants:
1. Eggshell Fertilizer Tea:
- Boil a gallon of water and add 10-20 clean, dry eggshells.
- Let the mixture sit overnight.
- Strain out the eggshells before using the calcium-rich water to water your plants. (Source: Masterclass, Dec 9, 2021; Southern Living, June 21, 2024)
2. Crushed Eggshells:
- Crush the eggshells into small pieces.
- Mix them into your potting soil or garden bed to slowly release calcium into the soil. (Source: Tiffany McCauley, Get Strong Animals, October 3, 2024; Gardenesque, March 19, 2021)
3. Vinegar-Based Solution:
- Grind or blend eggshells into a fine powder.
- Mix the powder with vinegar to create a water-soluble calcium solution. (Source: Reddit r/Permaculture, Feb 14, 2021) This method speeds up the calcium release.
Important Considerations:
- While eggshells provide calcium, they are not a complete fertilizer and should be used as a supplement, not a replacement for balanced fertilizers.
- The smell of eggshell tea might be unpleasant. (Source: Intelligent Domestications, August 4, 2022)
- Ensure eggshells are clean and dry before using them to prevent mold and pest issues.
Benefits of Using Eggshells:
- Provides Calcium: Calcium strengthens plant cell walls and supports overall plant growth.
- Reduces Waste: It repurposes a common household waste product. (Source: Get Strong Animals, October 3, 2024)
- Organic and Sustainable: It’s a natural and environmentally friendly approach to plant care.
