Hey there, succulent enthusiasts! We've got a story that'll knock your socks off – it's all about how we accidentally stumbled upon a succulent superfood right in our sister's bakery trash can. Yep, you heard that right! Eggshells!
A mountain of eggshells was piling up each day, so, we saw an opportunity where others might see waste. After some experiments, this blog post has written for our journey into the world of homemade organic fertilizers!
Organic Eggshells Fertilizer Benefits
Now, you might be wondering, "How does our eggshell wonder-fertilizer bring benefits to our succulents?" Well, plant pals, let's crack into it! (Pun absolutely intended!)
- Calcium Superstar: While compost tea is an all-rounder, eggshells are the calcium champions. If your succulents are showing signs of calcium deficiency (we're looking at you, curled leaves and weak stems), eggshells might just be your new best friend.
- Slow and Steady: Unlike liquid fertilizers that give a quick nutrient boost, eggshells break down slowly. This means they're feeding your plants for very long time.
- pH Balancing Act: Eggshells have a knack for neutralizing soil acidity. If you've been battling with pH issues, our eggy friends might be your soil's perfect dance partner.
- Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly: While store-bought, synthetic fertilizers are great, our eggshell solution is practically free and reduces waste. Mother Earth is doing a happy dance!
Our Eggshell Fertilizer Recipe
Here's how we turned those bakery "leftovers" into succulent superfood:
- We thoroughly cleaned the eggshells and removed the inner membrane.
- After drying them completely (we experimented with air-drying and oven-drying), we crushed them into a fine powder using a food processor.
- We sprinkled about one teaspoon of eggshell powder per 4-inch pot, gently mixing it into the top layer of soil.
We also tried making "eggshell tea" by steeping crushed shells in water for a few days. Our succulents seemed to love this nutrient-rich drink!
Eggshells: Not Only Fertilizer
In our excitement, we started sprinkling crushed eggshells on top of the soil too. Not only did this slowly release nutrients, but we discovered an unexpected benefit – it deterred snails and slugs! The sharp edges of the eggshells created a barrier that these pests were reluctant to cross. Talk about a win-win!
Our Succulent Thriving
We were amazed at how our succulents responded to the eggshell treatment. Our Echeverias, which had been a bit lackluster, suddenly developed vibrant colors. The Aloe vera grew so quickly we could almost see it happening! But the real showstopper was our Sempervivum during blooming season – we'd never seen such robust, colorful flowers before.
Eggshells vs. Compost Tea: A Succulent Showdown
We're about to dive into a friendly face-off between our new eggshell superstar and an old favorite - compost tea. Remember how we raved about compost tea in our previous posts? Well, it's time to see how our eggy innovation stacks up!
|
Feature |
Eggshell Fertilizer |
Compost Tea |
|
Primary Nutrients |
High in Calcium |
Balanced N-P-K |
|
Application Method |
Powder or "tea" form |
Liquid form |
|
Release Speed |
Slow-release |
Quick-release |
|
pH Effect |
Helps neutralize acidity |
Varies, but generally pH neutral |
|
Additional Benefits |
Improves soil structure, deters pests |
Introduces beneficial microorganisms |
|
Cost |
Very low (often free) |
Low to moderate |
|
Preparation Time |
Moderate (drying and crushing required) |
Moderate (brewing time needed) |
|
Frequency of Application |
Every 2-3 months |
Every 2-4 weeks during growing season |
|
Odor |
Minimal |
Can be strong |
|
Versatility |
Limited to calcium-rich amendment |
Wide range of nutrients |
|
Environmental Impact |
Reduces waste, very eco-friendly |
Eco-friendly, reduces organic waste |
|
Best For |
Calcium-loving plants, improving soil structure |
Overall plant health, boosting microbial activity |
|
Shelf Life |
Long (if kept dry) |
Short (should be used within days) |
|
Pest Control |
Can deter snails and slugs |
May deter some pests due to healthy plant growth |
As you can see, both our eggshell wonder and trusty compost tea have their own superpowers. It's not about picking sides - it's about giving your succulent babies the best of both worlds!
Conclusion for Succulent Lovers
Our succulents weren't left out of the eggshell party. We added the powder to their pots during repotting, and even the most finicky of our indoor plants showed improvements in growth and vibrant color.
As we reflect on our journey from bakery waste to succulent wonder-fertilizer, we're excited about the possibilities. Who knew that our sister's bakery venture would lead to such a game-changing discovery for our succulents?
We encourage you to try this eco-friendly, nutrient-packed fertilizer for your own succulents. Remember, every eggshell you use is one less in the landfill and one more step towards happy, thriving succulents.
Happy growing, succulent lovers!