Are Eggshells Good For Tomato Plants: Is It Myth or Magic?

Have you heard that adding eggshell on tomato plants can make them healthier and more productive? 

Myths are stories or beliefs that are passed down from generation to generation, often without being backed by scientific evidence. 

One such myth is that using eggshells can benefit tomato plants in the garden. While there is some truth to this myth, there are also limitations to using eggshells for tomato plants.

Read on to find out if this age-old gardening tip is worth trying out in your own garden!

When and How To Use Eggshells for Tomato Plants? 

We can use the eggshells magic trick in various ways. Here are some tips on when and how to use eggshells on tomato plants:

• Before planting: Crushed eggshells are added to the soil before planting the tomato seedlings. This will help to enrich the soil with calcium and other minerals, which will benefit the growing plants.

• During the growing: You can sprinkle crushed eggshells around the root of mature tomato plants. The plants will profit from the release of calcium and other nutrients into the soil.

• To prevent blossom end rot: Blossom end rot is a common problem in tomato plants, and it is caused by a lack of calcium. Crushed eggshells can be added to the soil to prevent this problem. You can also add eggshells to a watering can and let them steep for several days before using the water to water the tomato plants.

It is also important to avoid adding too many eggshells, as this can cause an imbalance in the soil pH. Finally, it is best to use eggshells as a supplement to other eggshell fertilizers for tomatoes rather than as the sole source of nutrients for the tomato plants.

How to Prepare Eggshells For Tomato Plants? 

Follow these steps.

• To prepare crushed eggshells for use in the garden, rinse them and allow them to dry. 

• Once dry, crush the eggshells into small pieces. This can be done by hand or with a food processor or blender.

•  The crushed eggshells can then be added to the soil around tomato plants.

Related Reading:

• 10 Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes as Tomato Salad
• 10 High Yielding Tomato Varieties That Gives Huge Harvests

What are 6 Common Myths Of Eggshells For Tomato Plants?

There are 6 myths that are given below;

1: Eggshells Alone Can Provide All The Nutrients That Tomato Plants Need.

Fact: While eggshells are a good source of calcium and other minerals, they do not provide all the nutrients that tomato plants need to grow and produce fruit. Eggshells should be used with other fertilizers and amendments to help plants grow as   they can.

2: Eggshells Can Help To Reduce Soil Acidity

Fact: Eggshells are alkaline by nature. They can raise the pH of acidic soil slightly. However, they are not a substitute for proper soil testing and pH adjustment.

3: You Can Plant Tomato Seeds Directly Into Eggshells.

Fact: There are so many benefits of starting seeds in eggshells. Tomato seeds should not be planted directly into eggshells, as the eggshells do not provide the necessary nutrients and can hinder seedling growth. It is best to use eggshells as a soil amendment or fertilizer for established tomato plants.

4: Eggshells Can Be Used as a Replacement for Fertilizer.

Fact: Eggshells can provide beneficial minerals and nutrients, but they are not a replacement for a balanced fertilizer regimen. Along with calcium and other micronutrients, tomato plants need a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

5: Eggshells Can Be Added to the Soil at Any Time During the Growing Season.

Fact: Eggshells should be added to the soil before or at the time of planting, or as a supplement to established tomato plants during the growing season. Adding too many eggshells at once can cause an imbalance in soil pH and nutrients.

6: Any Type of Eggshells Can Be Used for Tomato Plants.

Fact: While any type of eggshell can be used, it is best to use clean, organic eggshells from a reliable source. Avoid using eggshells that have been treated with chemicals or come from questionable sources.

The Drawbacks of Using Eggshells As Tomato Fertilizer

Eggshell fertilizer can provide some benefits, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

• Slow Release of Nutrients: Eggshells contain calcium, which is important for the growth of tomato plants. The nutrients in eggshells  release slowly and do not provide the immediate boost that plants need during the growing season.

• May Attract Pests: Eggshells can attract pests such as slugs, snails, and ants, which can damage the tomato plants. To avoid this, crush the eggshells into small pieces before applying them to the soil.

• Takes Time to Decompose: Eggshells take a long time to decompose, and if not crushed into small pieces, they may remain intact in the soil for a long time, creating a physical barrier that can impede root growth.

• Risk of Contamination: Salmonella and other harmful bacteria are still present in eggshells that have not been  cleaned before use. It causes contaminating the soil and harming tomato plants.

Application Methods for Eggshells in the Garden

Here are some application methods.

• Crushed eggshells can be sprinkled around the base of tomato plants, taking care not to touch the stem or leaves. This will allow the eggshells to slowly release calcium and other nutrients into the soil as they decompose.

• Eggshells can also be mixed into the soil before planting. This will help to enrich the soil with calcium and other beneficial minerals, giving the tomato plants a strong start.

• Another option is to create a liquid fertilizer from eggshells. To do this, crush the eggshells and steep them in water for several days. The resulting liquid can then be used to water tomato plants or other garden vegetables.

Additional Ways To Improve The Health Of Your Tomato Plants

Here are other ways that you can use to improve the health of tomato plants.

• watering: Consistent and appropriate watering are essential for the healthy growth of tomato plants. Water deeply and thoroughly, so that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering as it can promote the spread of fungal diseases.
• Soil quality: Tomato plants require well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Test the pH of the soil and ensure it is between 6.0 and 6.8. Add compost, manure that has been around for a while, or other organic matter to the soil to change its texture and make it more fertile.
• Mulching: Putting mulch around tomato plants can help keep the soil moist, stop weeds from growing, and control the temperature of the soil. Use a layer of organic mulch like straw, hay, or leaves.
• Fertilization: Tomatoes require adequate nutrition to grow and produce fruit. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to feed your tomato plants regularly. Don’t use too much fertilizer, because that can make the plant grow too much foliage instead of fruit.
• Pruning: Regular pruning can improve the health and productivity of tomato plants. Remove the suckers that grow from the base of the stem and the branches that grow below the first flower cluster. This helps redirect the plant’s energy toward fruit production.
• Supporting: As tomato plants grow taller, they need support to keep the fruit off the ground. Use stakes, cages, or trellises to support the plants and keep them upright. This helps improve air circulation around the plants and reduces the risk of diseases.

Read More:

• All You Need To Know About Tomatoes.
• How Big Of A Pot For Tomatoes? Ideal Container Size For Tomato Plants

Conclusion

We all hope the rumors about eggshells’ miraculous properties are accurate. Unfortunately, some have been disproven as myths.

Eggshells still have a lot of magic to offer the yard, whether as mulch, fertilizer, or in the compost pile. And dumping your eggshells there rather than in the garbage is much preferable.

You can make sure your eggshells provide the benefits you want by following the tips mentioned above.

Thanks for reading!