How To Make Calcium Powder From Eggshells
We grow lots of tomatoes for eating and turning into canned salsa and tomato sauce. The secret to growing healthy tomatoes is calcium powder. Tomatoes rely on calcium from the soil to build strong cell walls. Calcium helps tomatoes grow thick stems, sturdy branches, and healthy fruit. We like to make our own calcium powder from eggshells because it’s cheap and zero waste.
High-quality eggshells primarily contain calcium carbonate, along with 27 essential microelements. When I say high-quality eggshells, I’m specifically referring to shells from our backyard chickens or the local farmers market. Being selective with our eggs ensures the shells we use are free from pharmaceuticals and hormones that may have been given to the chickens.
It’s worth noting that calcium is essential for the growth of all plants—whether you’re growing vegetables, caring for houseplants, or tending a flowerbed. No matter what you’re cultivating, incorporating calcium into your plant care routine is a great idea.
While it’s true that you can simply crush eggshells and spread them around the soil, I like to grind them into a water-soluble powder that plants can easily absorb.
Here is our youtube video showing how we make it:
Homemade Calcium Powder
- Cover eggshells with water and bring to a boil in a large pot.
- After the mixture boils for a bit, strain eggshells.
- Bake shells on a baking sheet at 225° F for 20 minutes or until completely dry.
- Grind the shells to a fine powder using a coffee grinder, spice grinder, or blender.
The powder will last at least three months in a sealed mason jar.
To use, apply a tablespoon of powder around the base of the tomato plant (or any plant) 2-3 times a week.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor!
For more gardening tips check out my post about how we do a zero waste garden that also saves money here and how we use essential oils in the garden here
