Keyword calcium for plants, eggshells in garden, kitchen scraps, organic gardening
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 45 minutesminutes
Rinsed and dried eggshells ground fine to add calcium to garden soil and around tomatoes.
What You’ll Need
Eggshellsrinsed
Mortar and pestle or coffee grinder
Airtight container
Optional: oven, for sterilizing
Directions
Rinse the shells well.
Set them on a sunny windowsill to dry.
If you like, sterilize them in a 200°F (93°C) oven for 30 minutes. This matters for powder that you or your dogs might eat, and is optional for garden use.
Crush the shells with a mortar and pestle, or grind them in a coffee grinder.
Keep the powder in an airtight container.
Notes
Work a handful into tomato planting sites, or one or two handfuls (about 1/4 cup) per tomato or pepper planting hole; sprinkle a generous handful around plants from time to time; dig into soil or add to compost. Eggshell water: steep dried shells a couple of days, strain, and water plants (including houseplants).Caveats : shells are mostly calcium and release it very slowly, so you need a lot to make a measurable difference. Myth: shells on the soil surface do not deter slugs (Oregon tests found a ring of shells increased slug feeding). Don't bury whole eggs in pots.Safety: Raw shells can carry salmonella; wash hands after handling and dry or bake them before grinding. Use a grinder kept for garden use, or clean it well. Wear a dust mask when grinding (fine dust).