Gardening blunder with cornflour: correct usage to safeguard your plants in the backyard
In the realm of sustainable gardening, one unlikely hero has emerged: the humble eggshell. This common kitchen waste can be transformed into a valuable resource for your garden, providing calcium, pest protection, and more. Here's a guide on how to make the most of eggshells in your gardening endeavours.
First and foremost, it's essential to clean, dry, and crush your eggshells finely before using them. Whole shells decompose slowly, releasing nutrients minimally. By crushing them, you speed up calcium availability.
Once prepared, you have several options for incorporating eggshells into your garden. You can mix them directly into the soil or compost, aiding breakdown and calcium absorption by plants. This method is particularly beneficial for crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which are prone to a condition called blossom end rot.
For quicker calcium uptake, you can convert eggshells into a soluble form by soaking crushed shells in lemon juice or another acid. This creates calcium citrate, a form that plants can absorb more readily. Use the liquid as a foliar spray or soil drench.
Eggshells can also serve as biodegradable seed starters. For example, half shells can hold soil and seeds for potatoes, breaking down to enrich the soil as seedlings grow.
However, it's crucial to remember that eggshells lower soil acidity, which isn't suitable for all crops. Cucumbers, strawberries, carrots, and most berry bushes dislike eggshells as they make the soil too alkaline. Therefore, it's advisable to test your soil before large-scale use to avoid nutrient imbalances.
Moreover, crushed eggshells can deter some pests, such as slugs, snails, rabbits, and deer, by producing an unpleasant smell or physical barrier.
For fruit trees, applying eggshells every 2-3 years significantly improves fruit production. In winter, large pieces of eggshells can protect tree trunks from rodents like mice and voles.
Lastly, it's important to note that while eggshells are a valuable resource, over-application can lead to soil becoming too alkaline. Therefore, it's essential to use them moderately and consider the needs of your specific crops and soil conditions.
In conclusion, by following these practices, you can optimise eggshell use as a sustainable, nutrient-rich amendment for various garden crops while minimising risks. Happy gardening!
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