A gardening expert has shared how leftover eggshells can be turned into a concentrated calcium feed that helps plants build strong cell walls and supports healthy new growth.
TikTok creator Ifzaal, known as @naturewithifzaal, posted a video explaining how to make the feed using just eggshells and white vinegar. In the video's caption, Ifzaal wrote: "Do this next time you crack open a few eggs! your garden will thank you!"
How to make the feed
After using eggs for cooking, wash the shells to rinse away any leftover residue. Allow them to dry completely, which takes around 24 hours, or dry them in the oven on a low temperature.
Once dry, crush the shells into a fine powder. Place the powder in a jug and slowly pour in white vinegar, which should make the shells fizz. Leave the solution until the fizzing completely stops, which Ifzaal explained should take a few hours, or it can be left overnight.
Strain the shells through a muslin cloth, sieve or netted basket into a small container. The vinegar should have had enough time to absorb the nutrients from the eggshells.
Dilution and benefits
Ifzaal said: "So if you've followed all those steps, what you'll be left with is a concentrated, soluble calcium feed for your plants."
Before feeding plants, Ifzaal urged gardeners to dilute the solution with water, roughly one part solution to 20 parts water. Ifzaal continued: "And if you're wondering why you should try this or why calcium is good for your plants in the first place, well, let me tell you. Calcium is an important nutrient for your plants when it comes to helping them to build strong cell walls. So it supports healthy new growth and can help your plants to develop stronger roots and stems."
According to Gardeners' World, eggs contain other beneficial nutrients and minerals, such as small amounts of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese. These nutrients can help reduce acidity in the soil, help rapid growers which can suffer from calcium-deficient soil, as well as a deterrent for pests like slugs and snails.
Eggshells can be used as plant food for vegetable crops, including potatoes, cucumbers, peppers, courgettes, marrows and squash. However, Gardeners' World experts warned against using them for "lime-hating" plants, such as blueberries, rhododendrons, pieris and azaleas.
