Lavender plants thrive when fed one common household ingredient that transforms their growth and blooms!
Enhancing lavender's health can be as simple as incorporating crushed eggshells into their soil. This unassuming kitchen leftover is packed with calcium that directly promotes stronger growth and richer blooms.
Why Choose Eggshells for Lavender?
The benefits of using eggshells are versatile and align perfectly with the needs of lavender plants. Here are just a few reasons why you should use eggshells in gardening
- Calcium for Plants: Eggshells offer a significant boost of calcium, essential for strengthening the structure of plants. This mineral plays a crucial role in cell wall development, promoting robust growth.
- Improve Soil Drainage: By adding crushed eggshells, you increase soil drainage. Lavender thrives in well-draining soil, essential for preventing root rot and waterlogging.
- Reduce Soil Acidity: Lavender plants flourish in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Crushed eggshells help neutralize acidic soils, making them an ideal natural lavender fertilizer.
How to Prepare Eggshells for Lavender
Using eggshells as a homemade plant feed involves a simple preparation process. Ensuring the eggshells are clean and dry maximizes their benefits. Here’s a step-by-step guide
1. Collect and Rinse: After using eggs in your cooking, collect the shells and thoroughly rinse them under water to eliminate any remaining yolk or smell. Any residue can attract pests.
2. Dry the Shells: Spread the rinsed shells out on a towel or baking sheet for 24 to 48 hours to ensure they’re completely dried.
3. Bake for Sterilization: Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Place the dried shells on a baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes. This step helps kill any lingering bacteria and also ensures they’ll break down more easily.
4. Crush the Shells: After baking, use a rolling pin or another hard object to crush the shells into small pieces or a fine powder, depending on your preference.
5. Application: For each lavender plant, use 1-2 tablespoons of the crushed eggshells once during spring and again during summer.
Timing and Frequency
Using eggshells as a natural lavender feed loves simplicity! Timing is key for effective growth
- Feed your lavender in early spring, right before the blooming season kicks in. This ensures your plants will soak up all the nutrients during their active growth phase.
- Apply again in mid-summer to continue supporting your plants through the growing season.
Cautions to Keep in Mind
While eggshells can dramatically enhance your lavender's health, moderation is essential. Over-fertilizing can lead to nutrient burn, damaging roots and stunting growth. Stick to the recommended dosing of 1-2 tablespoons per plant to encourage optimal growth without overwhelming them with nutrients.
The Story of Jean: A Real-Life Example
Jean, a passionate gardener and founder of Green Jeane, shares her surprising experience with lavender. Initially, she encountered a problem when using a bad sand mix in her soil. Despite this challenge, her lavender flourished, thanks largely to her decision to incorporate eggshells in the mix.
“I noticed the lavender was doing much better, so much so that I didn’t even bother to remove the sand when repotting,” Jean reveals. Her lavender thrived so well that she pronounced, “I’m amazed at how much bigger and healthier it looks!”
The success Jean experienced showcases the significant positive impacts of adding crushed eggshells, encouraging readers to explore this simple technique.
Advantages of Using Eggshells as Fertilizer
When pondering why crushed eggshells stand out as an effective fertilizer, consider the following benefits
- Natural and Sustainable: Using kitchen scraps contributes to sustainability efforts and reduces waste in landfills while providing your plants with a nutritious boost.
- Cost-effective: This DIY fertilizer is virtually free when compared to buying commercial options, making gardening accessible to everyone.
- Pest Deterrent: The sharp edges of crushed eggshells help deter slugs, snails, and various small insects. Keeping unwanted pests away ensures lavender can grow unhindered.
Conclusion: An Easy Green Thumb Solution
Utilizing eggshells in your garden is an excellent example of a sustainable practice that pairs well with lavender's needs. By properly preparing and applying this natural fertilizer, you’ll witness your lavender plants blooming bigger and healthier in the spring.
Don’t wait! Start collecting your eggshells today to give your lavender the boost it needs. Not only will your garden thrive, but you’ll also contribute positively to the environment with a simple culinary habit.