23 Plants that Don’t like Eggshells

Here are the top Plants that Don’t like Eggshells so you know which ones to stay away from and why to ensure they thrive!

Are you an avid gardener looking to give your plants the best possible care? While eggshells are often touted as a natural fertilizer, did you know that some plants don’t actually benefit from them? Have a look at these Plants that Don’t like Eggshells so you know which ones to steer clear of when using eggshells in the garden.

Plants that Don’t like Eggshells

1. Blueberries

Botanical Name: Vaccinium

Blueberries thrive in acidic soil with a pH range of 4.0 to 5.0, and eggshells can disrupt their optimal growing conditions. It’s better to use acidic amendments like peat moss or pine needles.

2. Strawberries

Botanical Name: Fragaria

Strawberries also prefer slightly acidic soil conditions similar to blueberries. The alkaline properties of eggshells can raise the pH, which may hinder the plant’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

3. Petunias

Botanical Name: Petunia

Petunias thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil. While they tolerate a wide pH range, eggshells can potentially affect their nutrient availability.

4. Potatoes

Botanical Name: Solanum tuberosum

While eggshells contain calcium, which is beneficial for plant growth, they also contribute to raising the soil’s pH. Instead, using compost, organic matter, or balanced fertilizers tailored to the specific needs of potatoes would be more beneficial.

5. Broccoli

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica

Broccoli plants prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions. While eggshells are a source of calcium, they can also increase the soil’s pH level due to their alkaline nature.

6. Geraniums

Botanical Name: Pelargonium

Geraniums prefer a well-balanced nutrient profile, and using eggshells as a calcium source might not provide the necessary balance of other essential elements. Instead, using organic compost or well-balanced fertilizers would be more beneficial for geraniums.

7. Cabbage

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata

For optimal cabbage growth, a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 is crucial. Compost, peat moss, or other organic matter would be more appropriate soil amendments for cabbage plants than eggshells.

8. Marigold

Botanical Name: Tagetes

Marigolds can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. Eggshells, due to their alkaline composition, can increase the soil’s pH, which may not align with marigolds’ preferred pH range.

9. Kale

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Maintaining the appropriate pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 through the use of compost, organic matter, or acidifying amendments like sulfur would be more beneficial for kale growth than using eggshells.

10. Brussels Sprouts

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera

These miniature cabbages do not tolerate soil that is too alkaline, which can be caused by adding eggshells, so you should keep eggshells away from Brussels Sprouts.

11. Cauliflower

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis

Rather than using eggshells, these plants would be better served by maintaining a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 through the use of acidic amendments like composted organic matter or acidic fertilizers.

12. Zinnia

Botanical Name: Zinnia

Eggshells are often used as a source of calcium in gardening. While calcium is beneficial for plants, excessive calcium from eggshells can create an imbalance in the soil for zinnias.

13. Peppers

Botanical Name: Capsicum

These spicy and sweet fruits prefer slightly acidic soil and may not tolerate soil that is too alkaline, which can be exacerbated by adding eggshells.

14. Hosta

Botanical Name: Hosta

Eggshells contain high levels of calcium carbonate, which can raise soil pH and make it too alkaline for hostas, leading to yellowing leaves and decreased growth.

15. Sweet Potato

Botanical Name: Ipomoea batatas

While sweet potatoes do require calcium for proper growth, the amount provided by eggshells can be too much, leading to deficiencies and a negative impact on plant growth.

16. Ferns

Botanical Name: Filicopsida

Ferns do not appreciate the alkaline boost that eggshells provide. Instead, they thrive in humid conditions.

17. Rhododendrons

Botanical Name: Rhododendron

These stunning and showy shrubs prefer acidic soil and don’t like eggshells. However, a little moisture and some fertilizer will surely do these good.

18. Camellias

Botanical Name: Camellia

Camellias are elegant and timeless shrubs that require consistent moisture and moderate feeding to produce large and beautiful blooms. These do not like eggshells in the soil.

19. Lilacs

Botanical Name: Syringa

Lilacs are fragrant and lovely shrubs that do not like alkalinity in the soil. Instead, they should be treated with regular care.

20. Roses

Botanical Name: Rosa

Roses prefer a slightly acidic soil pH and can be sensitive to changes in the soil’s nutrient balance. Excessive calcium from eggshells can lead to a magnesium deficiency.

21. Hydrangeas

Botanical Name: Hydrangea

These iconic and classic shrubs prefer slightly acidic soil and wilt if eggshells are added to the soil due to their extra alkaline nature.

22. Begonias

Botanical Name: Begonia

Did you know that Begonias also don’t like eggshells? Well, you do now, so you should keep eggshell fertilizers away from your Begonia garden.

23. Impatiens

Botanical Name: Impatiens

The cheerful and bright flowers do not thrive in soil that has been treated with eggshells. Just provide consistent moisture and moderate fertilizer to produce colorful blossoms.