The Genius Way To Turn Eggshells Into Plant Food

I used to crack eggs, toss the shells, and move on with my day. Didn’t think twice about it. Then one spring, I read that eggshells are packed with calcium and other good stuff plants actually need. And I thought—well, I’ve been throwing away free fertilizer this whole time.

If you’ve got plants that struggle with yellowing leaves or blossom-end rot, especially tomatoes or peppers, they might be hungry for calcium. And eggshells? They’re loaded with it. Let me show you how I turned kitchen scraps into garden gold.

Why Eggshells Work So Well

Eggshells are about 95% calcium carbonate. That’s just a fancy way of saying they’re great for building strong roots and healthy plants. They also help balance soil pH and keep pests like slugs away.

Instead of buying some fancy supplement from the garden center, I just use what’s already in my kitchen. It’s free, it’s easy, and my plants love it.

How I Turn Eggshells Into Plant Food

There are a couple of ways to do it. I’ll give you my two go-to methods:

1. Crushed Shell Sprinkle

1. I rinse the eggshells and let them dry out.
2. Once dry, I crush them by hand or give them a quick whiz in a blender or food processor.
3. Then I sprinkle the crushed shells right into the soil around my plants. Tomatoes, peppers, roses—anything that loves calcium.

2. Eggshell Water

1. I boil a pot of water and toss in a handful of clean eggshells.
2. Let it steep like tea, then cool it down.
3. After a day or two, I strain out the shells and use the water to feed my plants.

It’s like a calcium-rich drink for your garden. I call it “eggshell tea,” and no, I don’t drink it myself—though the plants seem to enjoy it.

A Simple Trick That Makes a Real Difference

I’ve been using eggshells in my garden for a while now, and the results speak for themselves. My tomatoes grow stronger, and my houseplants look less sad in the winter. Plus, I throw out a lot less kitchen waste.

No fancy tools. No extra spending. Just one small change that actually makes a big difference.

So next time you crack an egg, don’t toss the shell. Your plants will thank you.