If You Want Huge Tomatoes, Don’t Forget This Step When Planting!

For larger, healthier tomatoes, mix a handful of crushed eggshells into the hole before planting your tomato seedlings. The eggshells add calcium to the soil, which helps prevent blossom end rot and supports stronger, bigger fruits throughout the summer.

Many gardeners dream of harvesting large, juicy tomatoes in the summer. You may buy the best seedlings and water your plants regularly, yet the fruits turn out small or develop brown, sunken spots. This can be disappointing after weeks of hard work. If this sounds familiar, the solution might be simpler than you think. The secret? Adding one natural ingredient at planting time can give your tomatoes the boost they need.

The Common Tomato Problem

Tomatoes are heavy feeders. They need plenty of nutrients to produce those big, beautiful fruits we all want. However, even with good soil, one critical element is often missing—calcium. Without enough calcium, tomato plants can suffer from a condition called blossom end rot. This shows up as dark, sunken spots on the bottom of the fruit. It not only ruins the look of your tomatoes but also makes them inedible.

Blossom end rot is very common. It can happen in any garden, even if you are watering and feeding your plants. Calcium helps tomato plants build strong cell walls, which keep the fruit firm as it grows. When there is not enough, the fruit becomes weak and develops soft, brown patches.¹

Why Eggshells Are the Solution

So, how do you make sure your plants get enough calcium? One of the easiest ways is to use eggshells. Most people throw eggshells in the trash. But for gardeners, they are a valuable source of calcium. Crushed eggshells release calcium slowly into the soil. As the plant grows, it can take up this nutrient right when it needs it the most.

Eggshells are safe, natural, and easy to use. They do not contain chemicals or harm the environment. Plus, using eggshells is a smart way to recycle kitchen waste and give your plants a natural advantage.²

How to Prepare Eggshells for Tomato Plants

Here is how you can use eggshells to help your tomato plants:

1. Collect eggshells from your kitchen. Wash them well to remove any egg white or yolk. This helps avoid unwanted smells and keeps pests away.
2. Dry the shells completely. You can leave them out in a sunny spot or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes.
3. Crush the eggshells into small pieces. You can use your hands, a rolling pin, or a mortar and pestle. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will break down in the soil.

How to Use Eggshells When Planting Tomatoes

When it is time to plant your tomato seedlings, follow these steps:

1. Dig a hole that is deep enough for your seedling.
2. Sprinkle a handful of crushed eggshells into the bottom of the hole.
3. Place the seedling in the hole and fill in with soil as usual.
4. Water the plant well to help the roots settle and begin to take up nutrients.

This simple step supplies a steady source of calcium directly where the roots can reach it. As the plant grows, the eggshells break down and feed the tomato, helping to prevent blossom end rot and support the growth of bigger, healthier fruits.

Additional Tips for Large Tomato Fruits

While eggshells provide essential calcium, tomatoes also need other nutrients for best results. Consider the following tips:

• Add compost or well-rotted manure to the planting hole for extra nutrients.
• Water deeply and regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
• Stake or cage your plants to support the heavy fruit and keep plants upright.
• Fertilize with a balanced tomato feed every few weeks during the growing season.

What Else Can You Put in the Planting Hole?

Eggshells are not the only helpful ingredient. Some gardeners also add:

• A small amount of bone meal for phosphorus.
• A teaspoon of Epsom salt for magnesium.
• A handful of compost for overall soil health.

However, if you only add one thing, make it eggshells. Calcium is often the limiting factor in growing big, healthy tomatoes, especially if you want to avoid blossom end rot.

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FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought calcium supplements instead of eggshells?
Yes, you can use garden lime or other calcium supplements. However, eggshells are natural, free, and just as effective when used correctly.

2. How many eggshells should I use for each tomato plant?
Use the shells from about 3–5 eggs per plant. Crush them well for the best results.

3. Do I need to add eggshells every year?
It is helpful to add them each time you plant new seedlings, as tomatoes use up a lot of calcium during the growing season.

4. Can eggshells attract pests or animals to my garden?
If you clean and dry them well before use, eggshells should not cause problems with pests.

5. Should I still fertilize my tomato plants if I use eggshells?
Yes, eggshells provide calcium, but do not supply all the nutrients your plants need. Use a balanced tomato fertilizer for best growth.

References:

1. https://www.seipasa.com/en/blog/calcium-in-tomato-nutrition/ ↩︎
2. https://site.extension.uga.edu/fultonag/2024/10/getting-the-most-from-eggshells-in-your-tomato-garden/ ↩︎