Eggshell Fertilizer
Don’t toss those eggshells! Crushed eggshells make an easy, natural fertilizer rich in calcium and trace minerals. They help strengthen plant cell walls, prevent blossom-end rot, and improve soil structure—perfect for tomatoes, peppers, and flowering plants.
Inventory
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and we may receive a commission if you purchase through them.
Tools & Equipment
For Method #1:
For Method #2:
For Method #3:
Ingredients
- Eggshells
- Water
Instructions
Method #1: Crushed Eggshell Fertilizer
Collect and Clean
Rinse eggshells thoroughly to remove any egg residue. Let them air dry completely to avoid mold.
Crush the Eggshells
Place the eggshells between two kitchen towels or in a Ziploc bag and roll them over with a rolling pin.
You can also use a mortar and pestle or for a finer grind, use a blender or food processor.
Apply to Soil
Sprinkle the crushed shells directly into the garden soil or mix into your soil mix.
Method #2: Eggshell Powder Fertilizer
Collect & Bake
Rinse eggshells thoroughly to remove any egg residue. Let them dry completely to avoid mold. Spread the eggshells evenly on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes at 200°F (93°C).
Grind the Eggshells
Place the baked eggshells in a coffee grinder or a food processor to create a fine powder.
Apply to Soil
Sprinkle the crushed shells directly into the garden soil or mix into your soil mix.
Method #3: Eggshell Tea (Liquid Fertilizer)
Collect & Bake
Rinse eggshells thoroughly to remove any egg residue. Let them dry completely to avoid mold. Place eggshells in a pot of water and boil for 10 minutes, then let the water cool completely.
Use about 10-12 shells per gallon of water.
Strain
Using a slotted spoon, remove the shells from the pot. Pour the liquid into a spray bottle.
Apply to plants
Spray onto the leaves as a foliar spray to provide a calcium boost.
Modifications
Choose What Form to Use
Eggshell fertilizer can be made of crushed eggshells, a powder, or tea.
Crushed Eggshells are clean, dry eggshells that are crushed into small pieces. They will take longer to decompose because they are larger than the powder form. This makes them a slow-release calcium source, ideal for long-term soil health.
Powdered Eggshells are first baked to accelerate the breakdown of the eggshell's structure and then blended into a powder. This fertilizer will provide faster calcium availability.
Eggshell Tea is perfect for doctoring plant calcium deficiencies as a foliar spray.
To improve calcium availability, you can also add two parts vinegar to one part crushed, baked eggshells. Vinegar accelerates the process of releasing calcium by turning calcium carbonate into calcium acetate. Mix one tablespoon of this solution with a gallon of water and pour it around the base of the plants.
Every craft begins as an alpha craft. Crafts are developed by considering the function and effect of inputs and all the actions needed to create the transformation. They are designed with theory and research but have not been personally tested by any Guild Craft Trade employee or member. When you perform a craft at this stage, it is through your own experimentation (and risk, if there is any).
This designation is part of our mission to build a chain of production for cottage industry. To learn more, see our About page.