We use eggshells as fertilizer for garden, garden and indoor crops
Almost all plants need additional feeding, which stimulates growth and fruiting. For many decades, summer residents have used eggshells as fertilizer for the soil. It contains an abundance of natural organic compounds and trace elements necessary for a nascent living being. The eggshell contains about 95% calcium carbonate and it seems that in the crystalline form the plants cannot absorb it. In fact, the substance has a beneficial effect on the process of photosynthesis, the growth of foliage and shoots. Before we figure out how to use eggshells as fertilizer, we will find out its chemical composition and properties.
A treasure trove of valuable compounds
Having examined it under a microscope, scientists have discovered a number of minerals:
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- sulfur;
- zinc;
- potassium;
- manganese;
- molybdenum;
- silicon;
- fluorine.
The unique composition allows the use of eggshells as fertilizer for garden and indoor plants. The substance neutralizes and loosens acidic soil. And microelements, presented in the form of salts, break down and are easily absorbed by cultures.
The fertilizer made from the shell has a number of beneficial properties:
- helps to strengthen the rhizome;
- increases plant immunity;
- normalizes air exchange;
- helps the transplanted crops adapt;
- enriches the soil with valuable components.
With the help of the shell of chicken eggs, farmers fight rodents. It is used to repel insects that strive to destroy the culture. An eggshell infusion made with your own hands is used to prevent many diseases. Next, we will learn how to properly collect and store the valuable fertilizer.
Raw material procurement rules
To obtain high-quality feeding, a certain amount of eggshell is required. Therefore, it is harvested for future use. After using the product, carefully remove the wet residues of the protein liquid. Pieces of the shell are put in a cardboard box. In order for the raw materials to dry naturally, the containers are placed in a room with good ventilation. Then the shells are crushed and packaged in paper bags or glass jars, and then sealed.
Raw materials should not be stored in plastic bags, as they spontaneously become covered with moisture and "bloom".
How eggshells are used as fertilizer 100%
It is known that the natural substance from the shell has a special effect on the acidity of the soil. Given this moment, summer residents first determine the type of soil, and then apply top dressing.
There are several options for using natural raw materials:
- when planting vegetable crops, the powder is added directly to the wells or crushed throughout the garden;
- add product to compost pit to enrich it;
- prepare solutions for watering garden and vegetable crops;
- infusions saturated with calcium are used for growing indoor plants.
As you can see, before using eggshells as fertilizer, you need to prepare a suitable solution or powder. Fortunately, there are plenty of raw materials for this, the main thing is to collect valuable "waste" in a cardboard box. Consider how a nutritious fertilizer is prepared at home.
Chatterbox
The solution is used for rapid resuscitation of cultures.
To prepare it you will need:
- fresh chicken eggs (2 pieces);
- crushed dry shells of 6 eggs;
- clean water (5 l).
Fresh eggs are driven into a regular plastic bucket. Powder obtained from dried shells is added. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spatula. Pour in water (5 l) and shake the solution well. Cover the bucket with a lid or plastic wrap. They send the chatterbox to a warm and fairly bright room for 4 days. Before use, it is diluted with clean water (5 l) and vigorously stirred. The resulting chatterbox is irrigated with sick garden and horticultural crops.
Three abundant waterings are enough to restore plants.
Liquid top dressing
Quite simply, an infusion of eggshells for flowers is prepared, which is used as a nutritional fertilizer. The elements of the crushed raw materials are poured into a 1 liter jar. It should take up a third of the capacity. Pour the shell with warm water and leave it uncovered for 14 days. During this period, the liquid will become cloudy and acquire an unpleasant aroma caused by hydrogen sulfide. The nutrient fluid is ready.
Cocktail
To stimulate the growth and development of plants, a protein solution is prepared from the eggshell.
Components required:
- clean water (10 l);
- proteins (7 pieces);
- crushed shell of 6 eggs.
The ingredients are combined in a plastic bucket and mixed thoroughly so that the proteins are completely dissolved in the liquid. Cover the container with a tight lid or cellophane wrap. Leave for 4 days in a warm room. The cocktail is used to reanimate garden plants in pure form. And the top dressing is diluted with water at the rate of 1: 4.
The protein liquid accelerates the flowering process, stimulates the formation of large buds and rich colors.
Calcium Powder
For fertilization, use the shell of fresh eggs. It is washed thoroughly. Spread on a towel to dry out. If desired, send it to the microwave for a few minutes. The finished raw material is passed through a blender, a meat grinder or grinded in a mortar. Store the finished calcium powder in a glass container under an airtight lid.
A universal method of fertilizing the soil with shells
Heavy clay soil is a natural barrier to oxygen supply to the underground part of plants. In early spring, it retains moisture, which leads to its rotting. During dry periods, cracking the ground destroys the root system of plants. Let's look at how to use egg shells in your garden to improve soil quality.
Protein powder prepared according to the traditional scheme is applied in the fall during a thorough digging of the site. Until spring, the valuable components will decay and improve the quality of the soil. Scatter flour using a plastic bottle, in which additional holes are made. Often, crushed shells are added to the mulch. Liquid fertilizers are used for watering garden crops.
Vegetable feeding technology
Before getting down to business, it is important to figure out what can be fertilized with eggshells in the garden and how to do it correctly.
Experienced summer residents are advised to pay attention to such crops:
- all varieties of cabbage;
- bow;
- tomatoes;
- cucumbers;
- melons (melons, watermelons);
- carrot;
- beets;
- eggplant.
The crushed shell is placed on the bottom of the hole when planting cabbage and tomato seedlings.
To stimulate growth and strengthen the immunity of vegetable crops, calcium flour is added to organic dressings.
For one plant, 0.5 teaspoon of powder is enough.Young eggplant and tomato seedlings are watered with eggshell infusion.
Eggshells as garden fertilizer
Fruit trees and shrubs also need an extra dose of calcium and trace elements. Planned feeding of plants with eggshells is carried out both in spring and in autumn. Berry bushes are fertilized when the snow melts and after harvest. The powder is introduced into the near-stem area, covering it with soil. Fruit crops are fertilized in the same way in autumn.
Garden flowers will not give up valuable components. After all, they are a unique decoration of the suburban area. Perennials are fed with infusion once every 3 weeks. For annual flowers, once every 2 weeks is enough.
Fans of home greenery actively use natural dressing for indoor crops. However, there are plants that prefer high acidity soil. Therefore, they should not be fertilized with protein fluids or shell meal.
The risk group includes:
- camellia;
- pansies;
- pelargonium;
- fern;
- hydrangea;
- azalea;
- gardenia.
The rest of the indoor flowers will "welcome" natural feeding. To add raw materials, carefully remove the top layer of soil and mix it with powder in a separate container. The resulting substrate is returned to its place and lightly tamped. Sprinkle with water from a spray bottle.
Natural raw materials can be used as a drainage layer when planting indoor plants. The resulting air cushion promotes air circulation and prevents liquid stagnation.
Weapons for Pest Control and Disease Prevention
Summer residents effectively use eggshells in the garden and in the garden as a "fighting" arsenal. Many parasites strive to destroy vegetables, fruit trees and flowers. Various infections are no less dangerous.
To protect plants from slugs and snails, crushed shells are scattered between rows or added to mulch. A simple technique helps to get rid of moles and a bear. When planting vegetable crops, pieces of shell are placed in the holes, which will become an obstacle in the path of pests. In addition, the mineral composition of the top dressing protects plants from blackleg, late blight and brown spot.
Having studied the properties of eggshells, we come to the conclusion that the substance loosens the soil, reduces its acidity. It stimulates the fruiting of vegetables and the development of indoor crops. The powder helps fight pests and diseases. The main thing is to use it for its intended purpose.