## Eggshells: A Natural Fertilizer for Garden Vegetables
Eggshells are a great source of calcium carbonate, which is essential for plant growth. They can be used as a natural fertilizer for a variety of garden vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and squash.
### Benefits of Using Eggshells as Fertilizer
Provides calcium: Eggshells are a rich source of calcium carbonate, which is essential for plant growth. Calcium helps to strengthen cell walls, promote root development, and increase fruit and vegetable production.
Improves soil structure: Eggshells can help to improve soil structure by adding organic matter and increasing porosity. This helps to improve drainage and aeration, which can benefit plant growth.
Reduces acidity: Eggshells are alkaline, which can help to reduce soil acidity. This is beneficial for plants that prefer slightly alkaline soil, such as tomatoes and peppers.
Repels pests: Some pests, such as slugs and snails, are repelled by the sharp edges of eggshells. This can help to protect your plants from damage.
### How to Use Eggshells as Fertilizer
Eggshells can be used as fertilizer in a variety of ways.
Add to compost: Eggshells can be added to compost to break down and release their nutrients. This is a great way to recycle eggshells and add them to your garden soil.
Sprinkle around plants: Eggshells can be sprinkled around the base of plants to provide a slow-release source of calcium.
Make eggshell tea: Eggshell tea can be made by boiling eggshells in water for 10 minutes. This tea can then be used to water plants, providing them with a boost of calcium.
### Vegetables That Benefit from Eggshells
Eggshells can be used as fertilizer for a variety of garden vegetables, including:
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are heavy feeders that require a lot of calcium. Eggshells can help to provide the calcium that tomatoes need to produce large, healthy fruits.
Peppers: Peppers are another heavy feeder that benefits from calcium. Eggshells can help to improve pepper growth and production.
Eggplant: Eggplant is a nightshade vegetable that also benefits from calcium. Eggshells can help to improve eggplant growth and fruit production.
Squash: Squash is a vine crop that requires a lot of calcium. Eggshells can help to provide the calcium that squash needs to produce large, healthy fruits.
Other vegetables: Eggshells can also be used as fertilizer for other vegetables, such as cucumbers, zucchini, and beans.
### How Much Eggshell Fertilizer to Use
The amount of eggshell fertilizer that you use will depend on the size of your garden and the type of vegetables that you are growing. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1/2 cup of eggshells per plant.
### Safety Precautions
When using eggshells as fertilizer, it is important to take the following safety precautions:
Wash eggshells before using: Eggshells can contain bacteria, so it is important to wash them thoroughly before using them as fertilizer.
Do not use eggshells from raw eggs: Raw eggs can contain salmonella, which can be harmful to humans. Only use eggshells from cooked eggs.
Crush eggshells before using: Eggshells can be sharp, so it is important to crush them before using them as fertilizer. This will help to prevent injuries.
### Conclusion
Eggshells are a great source of calcium carbonate, which is essential for plant growth. They can be used as a natural fertilizer for a variety of garden vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and squash. By using eggshells as fertilizer, you can help to improve plant growth and production, and reduce soil acidity.