Gardeners Secretly Incorporating Eggs Alongside Tomato Seeds During Sowing Process
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When it comes to growing tomatoes, maintaining healthy soil is essential for a bountiful harvest. One natural and effective way to boost soil fertility is by using eggs, especially eggshells, as a fertilizer. Here's a simple guide on how to use eggs for tomato plants.
Firstly, let's understand why eggs are beneficial for plants. Eggs contain nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, which are essential for plant growth [1]. Calcium, in particular, helps prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes [3].
To use eggshells as a fertilizer, start by rinsing them to remove the inner membrane (to prevent odour) and then dry them thoroughly [2]. Once dried, crush the shells into fine pieces or powder. These crushed shells can be sprinkled around the base of tomato plants or mixed into the soil where they will gradually break down and release nutrients into the soil [2].
For a liquid fertilizer, soak clean, crushed eggshells in water to leach calcium carbonate and other minerals into the water. This nutrient-rich liquid can be used to water houseplants or container-grown tomatoes, providing a gentle mineral boost [2].
Some gardeners also bury whole eggs near tomato plants, where they decompose slowly, releasing nutrients including calcium. This method may promote stronger cell walls and reduce blossom end rot, but it takes time due to decomposition [3].
When transplanting a tomato seedling, the stem should be buried deeply and the top few inches with leaves exposed. The egg should be placed at the bottom of the seedling roots for gradual nutrient release [1]. The proper depth for an egg is about 6-8 inches deep at the center, without mixing it into the soil [4].
While using eggs as a fertilizer is generally safe, it's important to note that too many eggs in the soil can cause an imbalance or attract pests like ants [4]. To avoid this, it's recommended to use one egg per tomato plant [5].
The use of polythene cover or plastic mulch film can help retain heat and moisture and suppress weeds. If using a polythene cover, press the soil down around the opening to keep it sealed [6].
In summary, using crushed eggshells sprinkled or mixed into the soil around tomatoes and other plants is a practical way to enhance soil fertility and prevent calcium deficiency-related problems. For liquid fertilization, soaking crushed shells in water creates a mineral-rich solution that can supplement watering [2][3]. Whole eggs can be used but require decomposition time.
References: [1] Eggs as a Fertilizer for Tomatoes: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/eggshell-fertilizer-tomato.htm [2] Using Eggshells as a Fertilizer: https://www.thespruce.com/using-eggshells-as-fertilizer-3187503 [3] Using Eggshells as Tomato Fertilizer: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/eggshell-fertilizer-tomato.htm [4] Tucking Eggs into the Soil with Seedlings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JEZ3h3wLc4 [5] Eggshell Fertilizer for Tomatoes: How Much is Enough?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQ-cPg6LbUQ [6] Using Plastic Mulch for Tomatoes: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/plastic-mulch-for-tomatoes.htm
- In addition to enhancing soil fertility, the nutrients found in flowers can benefit tomato plants, as they contain calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, essential for plant growth.
- When planning a home-and-garden lifestyle, incorporating gardening techniques such as planting tomatoes and using eggshells as a fertilizer can create a beautiful decor for both the garden and home.
- After harvesting tomatoes, composting the remains can return valuable nutrients back into the soil, promoting a sustainable lifestyle and enhancing the fertility of the garden's soil for future plantings.
- To decorate your indoor space, consider using container-grown tomatoes along with other decorative plants, and use the liquid fertilizer derived from crushed eggshells to water them, providing a gentle mineral boost to your houseplants.
