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.
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Plants that Don’t like Eggshells
1. Blueberries
Botanical Name: Vaccinium
First on the list of plants that don’t like eggshells, 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.
Learn How to Grow Blueberry in Container here
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.
Learn How to Grow a Strawberry Tree here
3. Petunias
Botanical Name: Petunia
Petunias are one of those plants that don’t like eggshells because they thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil. While they tolerate a wide pH range, eggshells can potentially affect their nutrient availability.
Here’s everything you need to know about growing Petunias
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.
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5. Broccoli
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. italica
Next on the list of plants that don’t like eggshells, 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.
Check out our article on growing broccoli in pots here
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.
Here are the best tips to help Geraniums bloom!
7. Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata
It’s crucial to maintain a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 for optimal cabbage growth. Utilizing compost, peat moss, or other organic matter as soil amendments would be more appropriate for cabbage plants than eggshells.
Read 8 Top Cabbage Growing Tips No One Will Tell You here
8. Marigold
Botanical Name: Tagetes
Marigolds are next on the list of plants that don’t like eggshells and tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels. Eggshells can increase the soil’s pH due to their alkaline composition, which may not align with the preferred pH range of marigolds.
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 as compared to using eggshells.
Check out our article on growing Kale in pots here
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
Maintaining a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 through the use of acidic amendments like composted organic matter or acidic fertilizers would be more appropriate rather than using eggshells for these plants.
Learn How to Grow Cauliflower in Pots here
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.
Check out our article on Growing Eggplants in Pots here
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
Other plants that don’t like eggshells are hostas. Eggshells contain high levels of calcium carbonate, which can raise soil pH and make it too alkaline for these beauties, leading to yellowing leaves and decreased growth.
Check out 20 Hosta Container Ideas for Shade here
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
Next, on plants that don’t like eggshells, ferns do not appreciate the alkaline boost that eggshells provide. Instead, they thrive in humid conditions.
Check out the most colorful ferns here
17. Rhododendrons
Botanical Name: Rhododendron
These stunning and showy shrubs prefer acidic soil and are another of the plants that 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 the alkalinity of the soil, making them plants that don’t like eggshells. Just stick with regular care instead.
Learn How to Grow Miss Kim Lilac here
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.
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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.
Here are Pretty Ways to Grow Hydrangeas
22. Begonias
Botanical Name: Begonia
Did you know that Begonias are another of the plants that 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.
What about orchids. Do they like egg shells.