Eggshells for plants? It’s not only budget-friendly, but it’s also a more sustainable way to care for your plants, giving them the nutrients they need to flourish.
Gardening might not be everyone’s favourite household task, but as the warm temperatures arrive and the days get longer, so too will the BBQ gatherings. While gardening maintenance can often become time consuming and expensive, there are a number of household items that can help your plants grow healthily. How often do you consume eggs?
One of the most common food products that can be re-purposed as a natural fertiliser is eggshells. Rich in calcium, eggshells promote healthy plant growth and help prevent blossoms from rotting. They are an excellent, eco-friendly way to give your plants the nutrients they need.
Using eggshells and turn them into a fertiliser is simple. First, ensure they are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining egg residue. After washing, you can bake them in the oven at a low temperature (around 200°C) to ensure they are free of bacteria. Once they are completely dry, crush them into a fine powder.
Alternatively, grinding them up in a blender or coffee grinder can provide a quicker, more consistent result. For even faster absorption of the calcium, you can soak the crushed eggshells in a small amount of vinegar overnight. The vinegar helps to break down the calcium, making it more readily available to your plants.
Aside from eggshells, there are several other common household products that can work as fertilisers for your plants. These items are often easily available and can be used in various ways to benefit your plants, containing valuable nutrients that can be absorbed by your plants and contribute to their growth. By utilising items you may otherwise throw away, you’re not only cutting down on waste but also saving money in the process.
Other household products that can be used as fertilisers:
- Hair
- White vinegar
- Banana peels
- Ash from the fireplace
- Coconut milk
- Coffee grounds
- Potato water
- Green tea
- Matches
It’s easy to assume that gardening requires expensive fertilisers and specialised products, but with a little creativity, you can nurture your plants using simple, cost-effective solutions. Repurposing common household items is an excellent way to keep your garden flourishing while keeping your expenses low. Gardening doesn’t need to be expensive to be successful, and by turning to these natural and organic alternatives, you can create a vibrant and healthy outdoor space.
It’s also important to note that organic fertilisers are better for plants because they’re much safer, sustainable and better for the soil compared to synthetic fertilisers. Moreover, they’re not toxic and safe to use around children and pets.