Survival Garden: Drying Eggshells To Grow Massive Tomatoes

How to Dry Eggshells in the Oven for Your Tomato Plants

Did you know that eggshells can help your tomato plants grow strong and healthy? Eggshells are packed with calcium, which helps prevent a common tomato problem called blossom end rot. This is when the bottoms of your tomatoes turn black and mushy.

One easy way to prepare eggshells for your garden is by drying them in the oven. Here’s how:

How to Dry Eggshells in the Oven

1. Save Your Eggshells – After cracking eggs for cooking, rinse the shells with water to remove any egg residue.
2. Let Them Dry – Place the shells in a bowl or on a tray and let them air dry for a day or two.
3. Bake Them – Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Spread the dry eggshells on a baking sheet and bake them for about 10-15 minutes. This removes any remaining moisture and makes them easier to crush.
4. Cool and Crush – Once the shells are cool, crush them into small pieces. You can use your hands, a rolling pin, or a blender to grind them into finer bits.

Washing the eggshells

Drying the eggshells in the oven

How Eggshells Help Tomato Plants

When you plant tomatoes, sprinkle a handful of crushed eggshells in the hole before placing the plant. As the shells break down, they release calcium into the soil, helping to:

• Prevent Blossom End Rot – Calcium strengthens tomato cell walls, reducing the risk of rot.
• Improve Soil Structure – Crushed shells help aerate the soil and improve drainage.
• Deter Pests – Sharp eggshell pieces can discourage slugs and snails from attacking your plants.

This simple trick is a great way to recycle kitchen scraps while giving your tomatoes the nutrients they need to thrive!

Crushed egg shells ready for the garden

So looking forward to the upcoming Spring/Summer growing season. I’ll be placing crushed egg shells under the majority of our tomato plants.

Take care all –

Rourke