DIY Bone Meal for the Garden
Last Updated on May 21, 2025 by Kiersten
Make your own DIY bone meal from eggshells with this simple method to boost garden soil health and reduce kitchen waste.
If you’re looking to add calcium and phosphorus into your garden soil without spending extra money, making your own bone meal is a simple and effective solution.
This method uses up kitchen scraps to create a slow-release fertilizer that supports plant health and productivity.
Why Use Eggshell Bone Meal?
Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which helps prevent issues like blossom rot in tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
When ground into a fine powder, they break down more readily in the soil making the nutrients more accessible to plants.
A bag of commercial Epsoma Bone Meal, depending on size, can run $13 to $25. This homemade approach is cost-effective and reduces kitchen waste.
Tips for Success
Make sure the eggshells are ground finely. Larger pieces take longer to break down and may not provide immediate benefits to the plants.
This homemade bone meal is particularly beneficial for plants that require higher calcium levels like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Regular application can help maintain soil nutrients across the length of the growing season.
DIY Bone Meal for the Garden
Ingredients & Supplies:
- Clean, dry eggshells
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Blender, food processor, or coffee grinder
- Air-tight container for storage
Instructions:
Collect and clean eggshells: Rinse eggshells thoroughly to remove any egg residue. Allow them to dry completely.
Bake to sanitize: Preheat your oven to 200 F. Spread the dried eggshells on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes. This makes sure they’re fully dried out and easier to grind.
Grind into a fine powder: Once cooled, place the baked eggshells into a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder. Pulse until they reach a fine, powdery consistency.
Storage: Transfer the eggshell powder into an airtight container. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
How to Use:
Direct application: Sprinkle the eggshell powder around the base of your plants. Gently work it into the top layer of soil, being careful not to disturb the roots.
Compost addition: If you have a rather large amount of bone meal, you can add the powder to your compost pile to increase its calcium content.
Seed starting mix: Incorporate a small amount into your seed starting mix to provide seedlings with an early calcium boost.
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