Why put an egg in the hole when planting tomatoes?
There is an age-old gardening tip that suggests burying an egg in the hole when planting tomatoes. This practice has been passed down from generations of gardeners and is believed to provide several benefits to the tomato plants, particularly in terms of adding calcium to the soil.
One of the main reasons for burying an egg in the tomato hole is to provide a natural source of calcium. Calcium is an essential nutrient for the development of strong and healthy tomato plants. It plays a vital role in preventing blossom end rot, a common condition that causes black, leathery patches on the bottom of tomato fruits. By adding calcium to the soil, you can help ensure that your tomato plants have sufficient levels of this nutrient, reducing the risk of blossom end rot and promoting overall plant health.
Eggs are a great source of calcium, with the majority of the mineral found in the shell. When you bury an egg in the hole, the shell gradually decomposes and releases calcium into the surrounding soil. This slow release of calcium can benefit the tomato plants throughout their growing season, providing a steady supply of this vital nutrient.
To bury an egg in the tomato hole, simply dig a hole deep enough to accommodate both the plant’s roots and the egg. Place the egg at the bottom of the hole, making sure it is intact and hasn’t cracked. Then, position the tomato plant on top of the egg and fill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the plant.
It’s important to note that the egg should be buried intact, with the shell still intact. This is because if the shell is broken, the egg may start to decompose faster, potentially causing unpleasant odors and attracting pests. By keeping the egg intact, you can ensure a slow and controlled release of calcium into the soil.
In addition to providing calcium, burying an egg in the tomato hole can also help improve soil structure and fertility. As the egg decomposes, it adds organic matter to the soil, which can enhance its water-holding capacity and nutrient content. This can benefit the overall health and productivity of the tomato plants, leading to better yields.
While burying an egg in the tomato hole can be a beneficial practice, it’s not the only way to provide calcium to your plants. There are various other methods to supplement calcium in the soil, such as using crushed eggshells, powdered calcium supplements, or incorporating compost and organic matter rich in calcium.
Burying an egg in the hole when planting tomatoes is a traditional gardening tip that aims to provide a natural source of calcium to the plants. By doing so, you can potentially prevent blossom end rot and promote the overall health and productivity of your tomato plants. However, it’s important to remember that this is just one method among many for adding calcium to the soil, and it may not be necessary if your soil already has sufficient calcium levels.
