Plants require water, light, air, and nutrients for optimal growth. Unfortunately, many turn to store-bought fertilizers, laden with chemical additives, packaged in plastic, and an additional expense. Yet, every household generates valuable organic waste daily, either tossed into the organic bin, compost, or bokashi bucket. Crafting DIY fertilizers from such organic scraps can be a sustainable alternative, such as utilizing eggshells.
Why are eggshells an excellent fertilizer?
Limestone, specifically calcium carbonate (CaCO3), plays a vital role in plant health, facilitating the absorption of other minerals. With 90% limestone content, eggshells are an exceptional source. Beyond lime, eggshells provide 27 micronutrients, including fluorine, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorus, sulfur, zinc, and silicon.
Make your own eggshell fertilizer
To create a liquid fertilizer from eggshells, you only need two ingredients:
- Shells of 1 to 2 eggs
- 1 liter of water
Procedure:
- Crush or grind the eggshells into a fine powder, using a mortar, blender, or grinder.
- Place the crushed shells in a container and add 1 liter of water. Let it sit for 12 hours to allow mineral dissolution.
- Strain the water into a watering can through a fine strainer or filter bag.
Your homemade liquid lime fertilizer is ready!
Tip: Spread the undissolved eggshell remnants on plant soil or add them to the compost.
Tips for Correct Fertilization
Avoid over-fertilizing, considering your plants’ needs and water’s lime content. Some plants thrive with limestone, while others are sensitive to it. Check your tap or irrigation water’s lime content, especially if you reside in an area with hard water.
Perform a simple pH test using pH test strips available at pharmacies or plant stores. Adjust the fertilizer dosage based on the results for healthy and abundant plant growth.
Discover more ways to transform organic waste into natural fertilizers in the “Waste as Fertilizer” article, including options like nettle manure.
Have you experimented with homemade fertilizers? Share your experiences in the comments!
