Eggshells are one of the best natural fertilizers for your plant because they are rich in many nutrients and minerals. Many gardeners agree that using eggshells in potted plants is beneficial for their growth and nutrient enrichment. Most people don’t know how they can use eggshells in potted plants. This article is for people who want to know the amazing benefits of eggshells for their potted plants and the way to use them.

Are Eggshells Beneficial for Potted Plants?

Eggshells are beneficial for potted plants in several ways. They easily decompose in the soil and quickly transfer all the essential nutrients to the plant. Following are some of its benefits in detail.

1. Calcium Enrichment

About 96% of the eggshell is composed of Calcium Carbonate, which is essential for a plant’s growth. The calcium in eggshells is an important nutrient that helps straighten the plant’s cell walls. Due to this, the roots grow faster and stronger. Healthy roots mean a healthy plant, and healthy roots can be obtained by using eggshells.

You must have observed that the fruits of many potted plants start turning black from one end. It is because of calcium deficiency. Using eggshells in those potted plants can easily cover up that deficiency and make your plant healthy.

2. pH adjustment

The calcium in eggshells also helps adjust the soil’s pH level. Many potted plants prefer alkaline soil, which helps them absorb nutrients easily. This isn’t possible if the soil pH turns acidic and starts absorbing toxic elements like aluminum. Once you use eggshells, they will start moderating the pH level to alkaline.

Many vegetable plants like tomatoes and peppers need alkaline soil. That’s why using eggshells for them is a great option.

3. Stimulate Root Growth

The calcium carbonate present in egg shells also stimulates the root growth of potted plants and makes them stronger and healthier. You can see the plant thriving when the roots get all the essential nutrients and minerals. Its growth increases, and the overall appearance of the plant gets better.

4. Slow Release Fertilizer

Eggshells are one of the best natural fertilizers that you can use in your potted plants to make them thrive. They are categorized as slow-release fertilizers as they slowly decompose in the soil and release all the calcium carbonate. When calcium carbonate breaks down, it gives calcium, carbon, and water, which slowly dissolve in the soil and get to the roots of the plant.

5. Pest Deterrent

Many gardeners also use eggshells for pest control. The smell of eggshells keeps most of the pests away, and many slugs and snails avoid crawling around the sharp surfaces of crushed eggshells. When you put crushed eggshells in the soil of potted plants, the cabbage white butterfly also doesn’t get near the plant as it thinks of the white surface of eggshells as a competitor. 

6. Seedling Starter

You can also use eggshells as succulent propagation containers because they are biodegradable and can easily be potted in a bigger pot. The seedling gets enough calcium from the eggshell and grows quickly. You can plant the sprout that grows from the seedling into a big pot with the eggshell, where it decomposes on its own and won’t create any problems for your new plant.

How to Use Eggshells in Potted Plants?

Now that you know the benefits of using eggshells in potted plants, we are going to tell you how you can use those eggshells in a plant-friendly way. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Make Eggshell Powder Fertilizer

The best way to use eggshells for potted plants is by making a powder of eggshells and then putting it in the soil. The following steps will help you know more about how you can make eggshell powder:

Step 1: Let the eggshells dry in the sunlight. You don’t need to clean them before doing so.

Step 2: Once the eggshells are dried, crush them in a food processor, blender, or coffee grinder.

Step 3: Now put powdered eggshells in the potted plant’s soil.

Here it is done! These are the steps to make an organic eggshell fertilizer at home.

2. Make Eggshell Tea

Eggshell tea is one of the best organic liquid fertilizers. Here are the steps to make eggshell tea:

Step 1: Put some water in a pan and let it boil.

Step 2: After boiling the water, put it in a jar or any glass container.

Step 3: Now put some eggshells in that boiling water and close the lid.

Step 4: Let the eggshells stay in the water overnight.

Step 5: Take the eggshells from the jar in the morning.

Step 6: Mix that eggshell tea with four cups of water for watering the plants.

Do Eggshells Make Potted Plants Grow Faster?

Eggshells provide calcium carbonate to the plant, making its roots strong and motivating faster growth. Eggshells also play a role as a good organic fertilizer, so you don’t have to use any inorganic fertilizers, which can negatively affect your plant.

Which Plants Don’t Like Eggshells?

Even though eggshells are good for plants, there are some plants that do not like eggshells, and there’s a high chance that they can be harmful to those plants. Some of those plants are:

• Ferns
• Magnolias
• Rhododendrons
• Hydrangeas
• Azaleas

Which Plants Like Eggshells?

There are plants that love alkaline soil and need eggshells to maintain their pH levels. These plants include:

• Tomatoes
• Eggplants
• Peppers
• Marigold
• Broccoli

Conclusion

Eggshells are good for potted plants, so you can easily use them to make homemade organic fertilizer. Make sure that the plant you are using it for grows in alkaline soil and not the other way around. Always do your research on your plant before doing anything with them.

If you like this article, visit our website for more articles on plant care.

FAQs:

1. Are eggshells good for potted plants?

Eggshells are good for potted plants as they contain calcium carbonate, which has many advantages for the pants.

2. Can I put eggshells in my plants?

Yes, you can put eggshells in plants that prefer alkaline soil. You should crush the eggshells or make powder from them before putting them in the soil. Eggshell tea is also a great option.