It is not uncommon to find that certain household items are beneficial for the growth of plants or the nutrients of the soil. In fact, in most cases, as a farmer, you may not need to spend so much money, if you know how to make use of your kitchen items to benefit your plants!
Tomatoes are one of the most loved and used vegetables in the world and we know sometimes it is almost tempting to ditch the tomatoes you buy and start your tomatoes garden. While this is wise for you, there are basic things you need to know to have a successful tomato garden and to save money.
Eggs are some of the most common things you will find in almost all kitchens, however, have you ever wondered what the eggshells can do apart from being thrown into the bin? We know it might have started as a rumor that eggshells can be of benefit to your tomatoes.
However, it’s no more a rumor, it’s true! While some are familiar with the eggshells and tomatoes combination, many do not know how well the eggshells can benefit your tomatoes. Before we go right into what the eggshells can do, let’s do a little talking about the tomatoes.
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Planting Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the most loved vegetables, in the world, apart from being great for different dishes; tomatoes have become a favorite for most gardeners. We like to rate it as one of the most versatile farm-raised food products.
Apart from being a great source of vitamin C, among other nutrients, tomatoes are one of the easiest vegetables to grow both outdoor and indoor! This also is regardless of how they are started. The tomatoes enjoy being placed in direct sunlight for a minimum of 6 hours, however, one challenge that most tomatoes gardeners face is the challenge of getting them all the nutrients that are required.
If you have wondered, what importance do the eggshells have and how can it benefit the tomatoes or any other plant, here you have it.
Eggshell Nutritional Information
| Calcium | 34% |
| Magnesium | 0.3% |
| Phosphorus | 0.04% |
| Potassium | 0.03% |
| Sodium | 0.05% |
| Organic matters | 5% |
Eggshells consist of certain nutrients that help in the general growth process and nutritional value of tomatoes. These nutrients include calcium carbonate (which is a major nutrient necessary for tomatoes), phosphorus, potassium, etc.
Not only do these nutrients help in the growth of the tomatoes, but they also contribute to making the tomatoes’ flavor get better and as well protect the tomatoes from certain infections, diseases, and pests.
6 Ways to Use Eggshells In Your Tomato Garden
The following are ways to use your eggshells for your tomatoes.
1. Mulching
Mulching is a process of applying beneficial materials, to the soil. Most times, these materials are natural things; they are then broken down to fit the surface of the soil. The eggshell can be used as mulch.
All you need do is spread your eggshells around the tomatoes plants, the eggshells will help in retaining moisture and also keep your garden or pots looking beautiful.
2. Eggshell Tea
Yes! There is such a thing as eggshell tea, however, it is not for humans, your tomatoes plant will love and appreciate this.
The eggshell tea is a good way to get your plants to access the nutrients that the eggshell can provide. Making your tomatoes eggshell involves rinsing your eggshells, to get rid of any egg residue. Allow the eggshells to get completely dried; crumble the shells and place them in a container or pot.
Boil some water and pour it into the container of eggshell, keep until it cools to room temperature, then water your plant with this “tea”, ensure you follow the regular watering routine for tomatoes plant even with this tea. Eggshell tea is a very easy method for tomatoes to plant indoors.
3. Blossom End Rot
If you are not a new tomatoes gardener, you will agree with me that one common disease, known to tomatoes is blossom end rot. Blossom end rot is when the top part of the tomatoes, which is known as the flower gets rotten and changes its color to black because of lack of moisture.
Over time, there have been various solutions to this problem, however, one remedy that is both economical and effective is the use of eggshells. The eggshell contains calcium, this calcium helps in the regularity of water supply, it also helps balances the amount of water that is distributed into every part of the tomatoes.
We recommend that you repair your soil with some eggshells before you plant your tomatoes.
4. Compost
Adding the eggshells as compost is one of the most direct and effective ways to use eggshells. All you need to do is clean the eggshells to get rid of excess egg or yoke.
Dry the eggshells and crumble them directly into the compost that will be used for your tomatoes, we recommend that to foster the healthy growth of your tomatoes, you make use of amendments i.e. Composted manure.
Another way to get the eggshells into your soil is to crumble the clean eggshells into the soil, right before you put in your seed or cuttings.
6. Use Eggshells As Tomato Plants Fertilizer
With the eggshell fertilizer, you can be assured that your plant is getting a complete organic booster.
A known way to break down the calcium in the eggs and to use the eggshells as fertilizer is the use of vinegar. First, clean the eggs and dry them, crush them until they are smooth. Mix the crushed eggshells, with vinegar in a ratio of 1:1. Shake the mixture for about 4 weeks, this is ensuring proper mixing.
Take just one teaspoon of the solution and add to water then spray your tomatoes plant.
7. Prevent Pests
It is common to have crawling insects and pests such as slugs, snails, bugs, etc., all over your tomatoes plant. Placing eggshells around your plant or garden will prevent them from getting access to your plant. The sharp edges of the eggshells will help keep them away.
Final Thoughts
The use of eggshells for your tomatoes, not only gives you the assurance that your tomatoes are doing well and protected.
It is pleasing to know that your tomatoes’ flavor will increase too. The goodness of eggshells is not only restricted to tomatoes alone, it’s also known to be beneficial to other plants with edible fruits.
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