If you’re searching for an affordable, eco-friendly, and effective way to nourish your plants, look no further than your kitchen! Eggshells, often tossed in the trash, are rich in calcium carbonate—an essential nutrient that helps strengthen plant cell walls, prevent diseases like blossom end rot, and improve overall plant health.
This guide will show you exactly how to make liquid eggshell calcium fertilizer at home and how to use it to boost your garden’s productivity naturally.
🥚 Why Use Eggshells as Fertilizer?
Eggshells are composed of about 95% calcium carbonate, which is the same compound found in agricultural lime. In addition to calcium, they contain small amounts of magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
Benefits of Liquid Eggshell Fertilizer:
- Provides bioavailable calcium to plants
- Helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and zucchinis
- Strengthens plant structure and root development
- Neutralizes acidic soil (over time)
- Supports compost health when added to bins
🧪 Materials Needed
To make liquid eggshell calcium fertilizer, you’ll need:
- 10–12 clean, dry eggshells
- 1–2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice (acid)
- 2 cups of water
- A blender or mortar and pestle
- A glass jar or container with a lid
- A strainer or cheesecloth
🔬 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Clean and Dry the Eggshells
- Rinse eggshells thoroughly to remove any egg residue.
- Let them air dry or bake them at low heat (250°F/120°C) for 10–15 minutes to sterilize and make them brittle.
Step 2: Crush the Eggshells
- Use a mortar and pestle or a blender to grind the eggshells into a fine powder. The finer the powder, the faster it will react with vinegar and release nutrients.
Step 3: React with Acid
- In a jar, combine the powdered eggshells with 1–2 tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice.
- The acid will react with calcium carbonate in the eggshells, causing it to fizz. This process releases calcium ions in a form that plants can absorb.
Step 4: Let It Sit
- Allow the mixture to sit uncovered for 12–24 hours. Stir occasionally.
- The fizzing will subside as the reaction slows down.
Step 5: Add Water and Strain
- Add 2 cups of water to dilute the solution.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove any leftover shell pieces.
- Pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle or watering can.
🌱 How to Use Liquid Eggshell Fertilizer
You can apply this calcium-rich liquid in a few ways:
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