Homemade Fertiliser Recipe With Egg Shells
Eggshells can be a valuable source of nutrients for your plants and can be used to make a homemade fertilizer. Here's a simple recipe to create an organic fertilizer using eggshells:
1. Collect and Clean the Eggshells
Save eggshells after cooking or baking. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any remaining egg residue. Let them air dry completely.
2. Crush the Eggshells
Once dry, crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can use a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or a food processor to break them down. Aim for a coarse texture, but avoid grinding them into a fine powder.
3. Prepare the Eggshell Tea
Place the crushed eggshells in a container, such as a jar or a bucket. Add water to the container, covering the eggshells completely. The ratio should be around 4 cups of water for every 10 eggshells.
4. Let the Mixture Steep
Allow the eggshells to steep in the water for several days, preferably up to a week. This soaking period allows the water to absorb the nutrients from the eggshells.
5. Strain the Liquid
After the steeping period, strain the liquid to separate the eggshell-infused water from the solid eggshell remnants. You can use a fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter for this step.
6. Dilute and Apply
The strained liquid is now your homemade eggshell fertilizer. You can dilute it further by mixing 1 part eggshell tea with 3 parts water. Use this diluted mixture to water your plants or pour it directly around the base of your plants.
7. Apply to Soil
Gently pour the eggshell fertilizer around the root zone of your plants. Avoid getting the liquid directly on the leaves to prevent any potential burns from the high calcium content.
8. Repeat Application
You can use the homemade eggshell fertilizer every few weeks or as needed throughout the growing season. Monitor your plants' response and adjust the frequency of application accordingly.
Eggshells contain calcium carbonate, which provides plants with calcium, a vital nutrient for growth and development. This homemade fertilizer can benefit plants that require calcium, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. The fertilizer can also help to raise soil pH slightly, making it more alkaline.
In addition to using eggshells as a liquid fertilizer, you can also crush them into a fine powder and incorporate them directly into the soil. This can be particularly beneficial for plants that prefer a more acidic soil, as eggshells help to balance the pH levels.
Remember, homemade fertilizers should be used in conjunction with a well-balanced soil fertility program. It's essential to consider other nutrients your plants may require, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and supplement them accordingly through compost, organic fertilizers, or other natural sources.
By recycling eggshells and turning them into a homemade fertilizer, you not only provide essential nutrients to your plants but also reduce waste and promote a more sustainable gardening practice.