Gardeners always look for natural ways to get the best blooms. When it comes to roses, the list of home remedies is long. From sprinkling Epsom salt to reusing old coffee grounds, there's no shortage of DIY soil boosters. One remedy that often pops up is crushed eggshells. They are free, organic and an easy way to improve plant health. But do they really help roses thrive, or is it just a garden myth?
This blog will help you understand whether crushed eggshells actually benefit your roses and how you can use them properly to support healthy growth in your garden.
How Does Eggshell Benefit Rose Plants?
Eggshells are not just kitchen waste. They are filled with nutrients that can be useful for your roses. Here's how they help:
A Natural Source of Calcium
Eggshells contain a lot of calcium carbonate, which strengthens cell walls in plants. When used on rose plants, the plant grows stronger with healthy stems and develops more resistance to diseases.
Protect Against Blossom End Rot
While roses don't commonly suffer from blossom end rot like tomatoes, a lack of calcium can lead to weak stems and leaves. Eggshells gradually decompose and provide roses with a steady supply of calcium over time.
Keeps Pests Away
Crushed eggshells have jagged edges that prevent soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails from crawling over the eggshells. They won't deter pests permanently, but can act as a natural barrier to help reduce nibbling on your rose leaves.
Improves Soil Texture
Crushed eggshells improve soil drainage by loosening heavy clay soil, reducing the risk of root rot and boosting airflow around rose roots. They also release small amounts of magnesium and potassium when they break down, and can slightly raise soil pH, which is useful if your soil is too acidic, as roses prefer a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
If you are not sure if the soil in your garden needs it, try a quick soil pH test; if the soil is too acidic (below pH 6.0), adding crushed eggshells can help neutralise it and improve plant health. Whereas, if pH is higher, eggshells are not needed.
Attracts Earthworms
Crushed eggshells also create a better home for earthworms. They help break down organic matter and improve soil structure, which roses love.
How to Prepare Eggshells for Rose Plants?
The following information will demonstrate a simple way to reuse eggshells to help your roses grow stronger and healthier.
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Start by saving eggshells from your daily breakfast. Wash them well.
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Use a small needle to make a drain hole at the bottom of each shell.
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Fill each shell with seed compost using a teaspoon. This helps the roots grow strong and healthy.
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Put your seed into the shell and gently press it down until covered. You can try herbs such as basil, parsley, and chives.
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Place the eggshells in an egg carton near a sunny window. Mist with water every 2-3 days using a spray bottle.
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Once the seedling reaches about three inches in height, gently crush the eggshell and transplant the seedling into a new pot. The eggshell will decompose and provide nutrients that will allow roses to grow stronger.
Avoid These Common Eggshell Errors
Eggshells are beneficial, but they won't give instant results. It takes time to show results and help roses grow stronger. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
1. Using Uncrushed Shells
Throwing whole shells into the garden won't have much effect, as it would take years to break down. Crush them into small pieces so your roses can benefit faster.
2. Overuse of Eggshells
More is not always better. Too many eggshells can make the soil too alkaline, which roses don't like. Just sprinkle a little, and if you're not sure of the amount of eggshells to add, test your soil's pH.
3. Use Of Raw or Dirty Eggshells
Eggshells with leftover eggs inside can smell bad and attract flies or rodents. Give them a quick rinse before using.
4. Expecting Quick Results
Eggshells work slowly. If your roses look weak or develop yellow leaves, use something faster, like gypsum or liquid calcium.
5. Relying on Eggshells Alone
Eggshells provide calcium, but roses also need compost or fertiliser that has all the nutrients plants need.
Conclusion
Roses do need many nutrients, and eggshells are one of the ways to provide a part of the nutrients to roses. Eggshells boost calcium content, improve soil health, deter pests and attract earthworms. Eggshells are a natural and eco-friendly option to ensure the strong growth of roses. The best part is that you don't have to buy it from the market; rather, it's a waste from everyday breakfast.