Whether you’re a long-time gardener, or the hobby has been a development brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year, we guarantee this eggshell hack will bring your tomato plants to the next level. We’re heading into tomato season, and the secret to vibrance and prosperity in your tomato plants may surprise you.
Spoiler alert: it's eggs.
If you’re like many people, you start your day with an egg or two in some form or another. But don’t be so quick to throw your eggshells into the garbage. Evidence suggests that eggshells are in fact an all-natural fertilizer for your tomato plants that can improve their overall health, appearance, and most importantly, taste.
The science
The tough outer shell of your favorite breakfast staple is made almost purely out of a substance called calcium carbonate which is packed to the brim with nutritional value, especially for your plants.
Eggshells further provide essential minerals to your plants, such as potassium and phosphorus which both play a key role in plant nutrition. Adding natural calcium carbonate, potassium, and phosphorus sources to your tomatoes kickstarts the production of oils that give tomatoes their flavor and aid in reducing blossom end rot.
Blossom end rot is caused by a surplus of moisture in the tomato plant. The calcium in eggshells acts as a regulator of the plants' water supply, and in turn, fights off the chance of the plant rotting.
Furthermore, eggshells help strengthen the plant from the inside out. The calcium found in the eggshells reinforces the cell walls within the plant and encourages calcium travel throughout its entirety. Calcium can often remain stagnant within the plant but adding eggshells to your soil or watering your plants with eggshell tea can remedy this issue.
To add eggshells to your tomato plants, simply rinse them and allow them to dry before crumbling them with a wooden spoon or potato masher. Adding them to a plastic or cotton bag avoids any mess.
Once dry, add your eggshells directly into your soil or compost, and watch the magic happen. It is worth mentioning that this is a lengthy process that won’t happen overnight. Expect to see a significant change in your tomato harvest next season.
Brewing eggshell tea
This is probably exactly what you imagine it to be. Wash and dry your eggshells before crumbling them into a heat-safe dish or pot. Bring water to a boil and allow the eggshells to steep for at least ten minutes. Once the water is cool, strain the eggshells with a slotted spoon or colander and you’re set. Replace the eggshell mixture with your usual watering routine not only with your tomato plants but other garden and house plants as well.
With these tips and tricks, we’re sure your tomato garden will be blooming to the brim in no time. Let us know if you try it in the comments!
SOURCE: https://homeguides.sfgate.com/
