Gardening Expert Reveals Common Eggshell Mistake and Simple Solution

A recent online tutorial by gardening enthusiast naturewithifzaal has shed light on a common misconception regarding the use of eggshells as plant fertilizer. The video, uploaded on August 21, 2025, from Great Britain, demonstrates an effective method for extracting calcium from eggshells, which is crucial for plant health. Many gardeners simply crush eggshells and sprinkle them around their plants, believing they are providing a calcium boost. However, the tutorial explains that raw eggshells take approximately ten years to decompose in soil, making the calcium largely inaccessible to plants in the short term. The video proposes a more efficient technique: crushing the eggshells into a fine powder and then combining them with white vinegar. This mixture initiates a chemical reaction, producing a foam as the acid in the vinegar reacts with the calcium carbonate in the eggshells. After sitting for a couple of hours until the foaming subsides, the resulting concentrated calcium solution can be diluted with water and applied to plants. The creator showcases his own garden, featuring healthy, vibrant plants, as proof of the method's efficacy. "This method ensures your plants can absorb the calcium easily and quickly," the presenter stated in the video, emphasizing the immediate benefits. This innovative approach offers a practical and sustainable way for home gardeners to utilize kitchen waste for robust plant growth.

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