Q&A for How to Fertilize Soil With Eggshells

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Can I add some vinegar on the eggshell tea?

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

I would not recommend this. Vinegar makes the tea more acidic, which could damage the plants.

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Question

Can eggshells be a fertilizer for a tomato plant

Andrew Carberry, MPH
Food Systems Expert
Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.

Andrew Carberry, MPH

Food Systems Expert

Expert Answer

Yes! eggshells provide calcium, which helps tomatoes from their fruits. Since eggshells don't provide all the nutrients needed, you should still fertilize your garden as normal, and consider this a supplement.

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Question

Will boiled eggshells work?

Community Answer

Boiled eggshells will not be as effective, because they would have leached most of their nutrients into the water. The water you used for boiling the eggs will work, however. It will be full of nutrients. Let the water cool down first, then use it to water your plants.

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Question

Is there a smell?

Community Answer

No, not if you rinse the shells out. When rinsing, make sure that there is no eggy residue leftover, and you should be fine.

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What nutrients do eggshells add to the soil?

Community Answer

Eggshells mostly add calcium. They also add magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium. They also contain a small amount of sodium, but not enough to harm your plants.

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What is the membrane?

Community Answer

It's the clear film covering the shell from the inside. You can see it clearly when you boil the egg.

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Do you really need to clean the eggshells?

Community Answer

It would be a good idea to do so, especially if you are using the shells for herbs and vegetables. Eggs can contain salmonella. Cleaning them and letting them dry in the sun will kill the bacteria.

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Can I plant garlic in an eggshell as a seed starter?

Community Answer

Yes, but just for the starter. Once the seed has sprouted, move it to a larger container.

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If baking soda was added to the boiling eggs, can I still use that water for my plants?

Community Answer

No, I wouldn't suggest using that water for your plants.

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Can I boil empty eggshells to make sure there is no salmonella?

Gyan Gamer

Community Answer

Boiling will drain the nutrients of shell into water used to boil, so it's not a good idea to do so. You can clean it with water to remove salmonella.

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