That is the eggshell. In the eyes of many people, the eggshell is something to be thrown away, not worth a penny, but for gardeners, it is a “treasure”.
In fact, this thing that everyone throws away is widely sold, with prices ranging from 15,000 – 35,000 VND/kg. The cost depends on the place of sale, the level of eggshell processing in each place. For example, if the eggshell has been sterilized and ground into powder, the price is always higher than that of eggshells that have just been crushed.
The effects of eggshells in gardening
– Use as fertilizer
The composition of eggshells contains up to 93.5% calcium carbonate – an essential mineral for the growth of plants. In addition, eggshells also contain a lot of protein and small amounts of other minerals such as strontium, fluoride, magnesium, and selenium. Therefore, eggshells are very good organic fertilizers for plants.
Applying crushed eggshells to flowers, ornamental plants, or vegetables helps enhance the resistance of plants, making them more resistant to pests. Furthermore, eggshells have the ability to stimulate rapid flower growth, strong root and leaf development, vigorous growth, abundant flowering, and longer flowering time.
Note that if you want to use eggshells as fertilizer for flowers and ornamental plants, you need to grind them into powder.
– Use as a snail repellent
Snails are a nuisance to gardens, especially young vegetable gardens. If you are worried about this issue, you can use eggshells to repel snails.
Specifically, you crush the eggshells and spread them evenly on the ground, preferably along the snails’ travel path. Snails are soft-bodied creatures and are afraid of the sharp edges of eggshells, so when you spread eggshells onto the ground, they will not dare to approach your vegetable garden.
In addition, eggshells also have certain effects on health care for humans and pets. Alternatively, you can leave the intact eggshells and use them for handicrafts, or use them for seed germination and seedling pots.
How to make eggshell powder fertilizer for flowers and ornamental plants
To make eggshell powder, first collect the eggshells. Then, wash and dry or roast the eggshells. This will help sterilize and eliminate harmful fungal infections.
When the eggshells are dry, grind or crush them into powder. Grinding the eggshells makes it easier to decompose and become a source of mineral enrichment for the soil.
However, if you want to mix it with the planting soil, you should not grind it into powder, just crush it. This way, the eggshells will not be washed away when you water the plants, while keeping the soil loose and helping the plants grow better.
If you want to fertilize your plants, use the powdered form for faster absorption. You can directly apply it to the plant’s roots or dilute it with water at a ratio of 1:1 for root irrigation, watering every 2 weeks.
If you have some leftover eggshell powder, store it in a clean box or zippered bag, in a dry, well-ventilated place to be used gradually.
According to Thoi Bao Van Hoa Nghe Thuat