Concerning Tomato Plants

(Question)

How many egg shells per tomato plant

(Answer)

There are two methods for applying egshells to you tomoatoes;

a) Crushing the eggshells and applying them directly around the the drip line of your plants, or adding to your compost pile before applying the composted version.

b) Steeping eggs in boiling water

Jeff Gillman, author of “The Truth About Garden Remedies,” did his own small test to determine the nutritional properties of eggshells. His recommendations are cited below;

Crushing Shells

Collect shells throughout the winter so that you have an adequate supply at planting time. Wash and dry the shells to remove any egg residue. Place the shells into a food processor and process until a powder forms. Wear a dust mask when crushing the eggshells so that you don’t breathe in the eggshell dust. Stir the powdered shells into the soil or potting mix just before planting. Use approximately five shells per plant. You can also sprinkle a handful of shells into the planting hole before you set a plant root ball in it.

Steeping Shells

Alternatively, you can also make an eggshell fertilizer tea to use in your garden. Boil a gallon of water, and then add 10 clean and dry eggshells to it. For a stronger brew, add the shells of up to 20 eggs. Let the shells sit in the water overnight, and then strain the water. Pour the concentrate directly onto the soil to give plants a boost of calcium and potassium. This can be done periodically perhaps once a month , or depending on your health of tomatoes more frequently (up to weekly).

 Reference: “The Truth About Garden Remedies,”