Homemade Miracle Grow Water
I grew up in a stinky kitchen.
The wash room in my grandmother’s house was a small hallway between the kitchen and the back door. It was a room that did much more than the laundry.
My grandmother put the surface of her washer to good use, and I don’t mean for setting laundry on. She would grow sprouts, start seeds and make egg water. And yes, the egg water was stinky. It often smelled up the entire kitchen.
Eventually, Oma realized she should just store it outside on the stoop. But by that time, I had grown up with it and was accustomed to the smell.
It’s amazing stuff though. Regardless of where you keep it, it does AMAZING things for plants! They grow faster and stronger with each watering. The sulphur truly helps.
And the best part is that it’s totally easy to make!
All you have to do is keep a container or pitcher with water in it and crumble up your egg shells (I use a ladle to stomp it down) into the water every time you make eggs. Over time, the eggs will fill up the bucket and you’ll have some nice, stinky Homemade Miracle Grow Water to water with.
I promise, it’s not completely intolerable. While it does stink, it’s manageable. So if you want to give your plants an extra boost, don’t toss out those egg shells! Crush them up and dump them in some water!
One thing to remember though, is that over time, the stink will go away. You can refill the bucket with water using the same egg shells, over and over until they don’t stink any longer. At that point, you know you need new egg shells. You actually WANT them to stink!
Go ahead and try it. Just do yourself a favor and keep it outside. Those you live with will appreciate it.
Writer for MSN and AP Newswire, cookbook author, food blogger and travel writer. Lover of sunflowers, Elvis music and coastal living.
I do the same thing, but I use a milk jug so I can keep it closed and prevent it stinking up the house. This is also a great deer repellant!
Jami – Yes! A milk jug is a great alternative! We don’t have deer in my area, but that’s good to know! 🙂
I save my egg shell’s and grind them up and add them to soil I’m using to repot my plants. It helps them thrive as far as I can see. 🌻
Tanyah – For sure!!
Yes SHE Put IN Old pickle Jug’s With The TOP ON IT !
Janice – Cool!
Me too! Thought I was a tad bit wacky, guess not! It also works like perlite for violets, the soil stays looser. Have always watered my indoor plants with the water from boiled eggs. Great minds you know!
When you water house plants with this do the plants wind up stinking?
No.
How long do the eggshells soak before the solution is ready?
Susan – It can vary. But the stink will be unmistakable.
Does this repel Woodchucks and Rabbits also?
Eunice – I doubt it, but then we never had issues with those critters. So I wouldn’t know. I’m sorry!
How do you get the shells into the milk jug?
Frieda – If you have a large opening, you can just toss them in. If it’s a smaller opening, break the shells. They don’t have to be whole or in large pieces for this to work.
Crush them
Thank you for let us know what to do with the eggs shells, I used to crush it and put it in my plants, I’m going to try with water for my tomatoes, basil rosemary peas
Thank you so so much always looking for something new to grew stronger veggies
Margarita – My pleasure!
Great idea! I use the water from boiled eggs on my houseplants and out doors when I have enough, but never thought to make it by soaking egg shells!
Pat – Yep! In some cases, you can even grind up the egg shells and add them to the soil too.
How long does it have to set before it is ready yo use
Pat – When it’s nice and smelly. It can vary. I think my grandmother let it sit for at least a week, but my memory is hazy on that.
I use egg shells in the soil before I plant any plant . First I treat the soil before i plant mix shells up good in soil the plant plant.
Kelley – Awesome! It’s such good nutrition for the soil!
When my egg shells don’t stink anymore, I let them dry out, crush them up as small as possible and sprinkle them around my plants. They kill all sorts of insects you DONT want in your garden, and it doesn’t effect the bugs you DO want! (Diatamatious earth does the same thing, if you’re familiar with using that) Those stinky old egg shells can go a pretty long way!
Tessa – Yes they can!!!
How long do you let the water sit before you use it?
Kristie – Until it’s good and stinky! The time can vary, but count on 1-2 weeks.
Hi Tiffany do you rinse the egg remnants out first or just add them to water. Elle
Elle – You can, yes. It will probably be better, though I have to admit that mine are usually dried out by the time I add them.
Thanks for the answear.
Elle – My pleasure!
Will these attract snakes??
Sridevi – It shouldn’t.
I’ve read that a diy snake ‘repellent’ is to spread sulphur so with the egg shells producing sulphur would mean you have a snake repellent as well ~ win win
(Australia – where we have alot of snakes)
Georgia – That’s fantastic! I had no idea!
I cook mine If I make a few quiches, or what not, in the oven @ 250* for a while to dry them out. Then I crunch them up and add them to the compost.
I will try putting them directly on the plants!
Sara – Thanks for sharing!
I’m going to try this too! I did put some in my tomato plants this year but I think the water will do wonders for all the plants!
Sandra – Yes! It’s quite helpful!
Will this make rabbits stay away from my plants .
Nancy – I wouldn’t know. I’ve never had a problem with rabbits in my area. Hard to say, but worth a shot! At the very least, your plants will thank you!
Some people say human hair can keep critters away. Clean your hairbrush out and put the hair in your garden.
Chris – Interesting! Thanks for sharing!
How soon can you use the water?
Dora – It has to get nice and stinky. You’ll know when you smell it. It gets pretty potent.
Do you think egg shells crushed up in water would help a cutting take root?
Wendy – I’ve never tried, but it’s worth a shot!
never tried this fantastic idea but will keep them for that purpose.
Maria – Awesome! I hope it works well for you!
I always crush the eggshells to powder and store it in a jar. When I come to plant flowers or veggies I always mix it with some Bone,Fish and Blood meal into the soil. It works wonders for them..😀😀😀
Daniel – Absolutely!! Egg shells are so good for the garden!
My mom used this egg shell water when I was kid. It would smell bad but the plants were beautiful. I had forgotten about it. Thanks for the reminder. I will start making it today.
Shirley – It’s funny how something that smells so bad can be such a great childhood memory! LOL!
My Grandmom did also. The only thing I can’t remember if she poured the whole thing in the plants shells and all and then replaced, or just used the water and refilled with the old shells.. anyone remember?
Lenora – I think it just depends. I never actually saw my grandmother reuse egg shells. She crushed them enough that they just poured onto the plant with the water. That said, if you have a plant that really needs the calcium, you can put all the shells on that and use the water for other plants. But my guess is that you need new egg shells for each batch. At least, that’s how I remember it.
I blend egg shells, coffee grounds and banana peels in a blender or nutri bullet with water and pour that on my garden. You could blend them and add to a larger container with wood ash and some epsom salt and it makes an awesome weekly feeding.
Steve – Interesting idea! Thanks for sharing that!
Great idea! I am going to try this. I’ve used egg shells and the water for years.
Virginia – Great! I hope it works well for you!
Am going to try using the egg shells liquid on my flowers and vegetables. Thank you for the tips.
Margaret – Let us know how it turns out!
Would you say it smells outside around these plants for a few days after? Will my yard smell like egg? 🤨
Ashley G – I have never had an issue with it once I pour the water over the plants. You really only notice a smell from the container you use. At least in my experience.
I use egg shell powder for my plants. I will try this tips, thank you.
Bintang – I hope it helps!
Hi Tiffany, Thank you for the ‘heads up’ on egg shell water; have previously only crushed the shells and added them to the compost heap. Now will give your method a ‘go’!
Many thanks – Doug
Doug – Awesome!! Let me know if it helps your garden! 🙂
Hi Tiffany, my name is Jeannette from Pretara, South Africa. I just read your article and it is a answer to what I am trying. In a large bucket I’ve put all kinds of veggies/fruit peals and eggshells added water to use on my plants. Thank you.
Jeannette – Let me know how it works. I’ve only tried it with egg shells.
Do you think I could use it on my orchards?
Avril – Orchids are a whole other beast. I don’t know how they react to sulfur. I would ask somebody who knows a lot about orchids. Sorry I can’t be more help.
Yes! Great for orchids!
Jackie – Good to know!
Hi Tiffy.
Calling yo grandma Oma and verandah, “stoop”, Tells me u r south african. ?
Anyway I save the egg shells, rinsed off then when its enuf to fill d oven tray I bake it good to kill bacteria before crushing for use in garden.
I wonder if these baked shells can b used in yo water soaking method?
Jesmina – I’m actually mostly German! But born and raised in the states. 🙂 I don’t think baked shells will have the same effect. That being said, I’ve never tried it before. Your best bet is to stick them in some water and see if they get nice and stinky!
I’ve heard about baking egg shells for the purpose of feeding back to chickens, or sprinkling on the ground to feed the beautiful birds. It’s supposed to be good for the health of the momma birds, and for shell strength and healthy baby birds. Just dry, bake, but don’t let them brown. Grind into small eating size in food processor.
Linda – Awesome!
Any knowledge on using sliced onions as a source of sulfur for blueberries.
Tricia – I’m sorry, no. I’ve never grown blueberries. At least not successfully. But there are many gardening groups you could pop into and ask. Particularly on Facebook.
I was wondering if you can use the egg shell water throughout the fall and winter months when plants aren’t growing as much.
Pat – Sure! My Oma used it year round. 🙂
I have never read or heard about this technique but I live in the desert and my poor plants need all the nutrition they can get! Thank you so much for your very informative article. I will be saving my egg shells from now on and keeping them in water to pour on my plants. I’m hoping to have a small but mighty vegetable garden next year!
Jennifer – Best of luck! Let me know if it helps!
I’ve done same and it does work wonders. But i’ve shifted to spraying it on my flowering plants like hibiscus and the results are amazing as well. Although my hubby isn’t to happy and calls out to me every time😄 but he does appreciate the blooms he sees.
Cory – Haha! Ya, the smell can be a little overwhelming if you spray it in the house. But it’s good stuff!
hello there ,i need some guidance on how to grow healthy veges
Syeda – Try the homemade miracle grow!
one thing that you left out. when the egg shells no longer smell and you have to replace them, crush them and use them for either chicken grit for strong shells next time or bury them where you plant your tomatoes for a calcium supplement. My grandmother said never throw something away until you have used it for at least 3 more things.
Farmer How – Yes! We never had chickens, so I didn’t think of it. Thanks for sharing the additional info!
How long do you soak the eggs before they are ready for use
Jessica – When the stink is good and strong. That’s always how my grandmother did it.
Can you cover the container for the smell?
Viola – My grandmother never did, but I’m guessing you could. Try it and see what happens. Worst case scenario is you throw it out and start again. Or just store it outside where the stink won’t smell up the whole room.
Hi How long before we are able to use for watering ?
Cheng – When it gets really stinky.
Thank you for the information. I’m going to try it. A cue of questions (1) do I have to rinse the eggshells before I place them in the water (2) can I place eggshells from boiled eggs as well?
Again thank you.
Ester – I don’t think boiled eggs will work the same, but I can’t be sure. We never rinsed our shells because they were going into the water anyway. But I would make sure all the egg white is out.
Can I use this for Christmas Cactus?
Marjorie – I don’t know much about those plants, so I can’t say from personal experience. However, another commenter here mentioned it.
We have a gallon jug with water in it that we have been adding crushed egg shells to for at least the last 3 years. Once a week I water my plants with that water. My plants are thriving and growing so well. I have recommended this to several of my friends and they all look at me like I am crazy but I can testify that my Norfolk Pine tree has grown by leaps and bounds and my Christmas Cactus blooms 4 times per year. I have now started a second gallon of “Egg Water” for future use. Love it!!!!
Susan – Yes! That’s fantastic!! It really does work!
I threw out my egg water cause it did stink. Thought it was harmful and would attract bugs.
Terry – No, it’s not harmful. Yes, it does smell. It’s the sulphur from the eggs. It’s perfectly normal. You can keep it outside as well. But the stink is what lets you know its good to pour on your plants.
do you rinse the egg shells first or not? I didn’t see any reference to this.
Barbara – You can if you want, but I’ve never found a need for it. Some people may prefer it though. My grandmother was always very good about getting all the egg out before she used the shells here. So if you still have some egg left in the shells, it may be a good idea. But it’s up to you.
Merci de tous ses conseils c est un fortifiant ideal(Ã faire dehors)
Roger – De rien!
Praise the Lord ! For people sharing Natural ways that are So helpful ! I’ve enjoyed and learned so much. Thankful for so many people that share their ideas through your Web Tiffany, Grateful to Our Lord for you.. Continue on ..
Isabel – I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Hola Tiffany soy de Argentina, gracias por pasar ésta información, no lo habÃa escuchado, yo uso las cáscaras de huevos para mezclar trituradas en la tierra.
Próximamente probaré con este método. Gracias por ser generosa/o en trasmitir éste conocimiento.
Catalina – ¡Estoy tan feliz de que lo hayas encontrado útil! ¡Déjame saber cómo resulta!
Can you cover the eggshells or does it need air? Thank you.
Marie – I don’t recommend covering them, but only because my grandmother never did. I have no actual reason beyond that. You could certainly try it!
Hi Tiffany
Do you dilute the egg water when using it or how much do you pour into each plant
Many thanks Sue
Susan – My grandmother never diluted it. She just poured some onto whatever plants needed a little help. She never measured. If I had to guess at an amount, I would say maybe 1/2 to 1 cup per plant. But again, this can vary a lot. Though I will say, I wouldn’t add less than a 1/4 cup.
If I put the egg water in the fridge and cover it to keep the smell in, will it still work as well?
Susan – Honestly, I don’t think so. But you could try it! I simply shared the way My Oma always did it. I never asked a lot of questions, I just watched what she did. She never put it in the fridge or covered it. But, that doesn’t mean it would be a bad thing. Worth a shot!
How much water do you give to plant?
Linda – My grandmother never measured. She just splashed a bunch onto whatever plant needed some help. If I had to guess though, I would say to always add AT LEAST a 1/4 cup or more. I saw her use almost half a pitcher on a plant once though, so it’s really more of a “splash it one as you wish” kind of situation.
Crushed eggshells help prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes when added to the soil!
Becky – Nice!
Can it be in a mason jar with a lid on it so keep the smell at bay??
C Galle – To be honest, I’m not sure. I feel like it needs some air circulation. My grandmother never covered hers. But that’s just a guess. You can certainly try it!
How much of the water do you give your plants. Or can I just give them a small amount so it doesn’t stink
Gail – You can give them as much as you like. Try it and see if they improve. If they don’t, they might need more. My grandmother always just splashed some on. She never measured.
I read somewhere that the membrane should be removed before soaking them in the water. I do that and the water doesn’t stink anymore but the plants are thriving so well! Is the membrane an important part of the soaking process?
Sherry – You’ve got me with that one. I honestly do not know. All I can tell you is that my grandmother never removed them. But if you try it and it still helps your plants, then it should be just fine. Doesn’t hurt to experiment in either direction.
Can you put a lid on it since smells?
Karen – I don’t see why not. Or just set it outside.
Thank you I love to grow plants.And will be using this from. Now on
Kim – Great! Let me know how it works for you! 🙂
How long does it need to steep
Bronwyn – You’ll know it’s ready when it’s good and stinky. The timing can vary between a few days to a week or two.
I use coffee ground water. I wonder if it would be too much to combine the two???
Shirley L – I’m not sure. I would think those two things provide different nutrients. I’m not sure I would combine them, but you could put them on separately. Worth a shot!
I tried it once and noticed remarkable results. I could not believe how my plants grew! It really is a miracle grow and I am not going to stop using eggshell tea.
Bessey – Yes! It’s the best!
I eat a lot of eggs and I love my plants so this is a great NEW process I will definitely use. Thank you so much!
Carol – My pleasure! Let me know how it goes!
I like it very much best whishes CNE
CNE – Glad it worked for you!
Do you rinse the egg shells a remove the membrane? I think the membrane is what makes the shells stinky.
Laurie – Nope! My grandmother never rinsed them. She was a “waste not, want no” type of gal.
Hi Tiffany, thank you for sharing this tip! I will try it with my indoor plants. Do the eggs have to be organic?
Pamela – No, they don’t. Regular eggs are fine. 🙂
Does it work if the eggshells are rinsed first?
G – I’m not sure. My grandmother never rinsed hers. Doesn’t hurt to try it in a small glass to start with though.
Thanks for sharing. I usually wash & dry shells. then turn it into powder.
Very time consuming and hard work, so I really appreciate your simple alternative.
Lorraine – My pleasure!
Great idea. I will start doing since I have a large garden and lots of potted plants
Greetings from LA😀
GC – Awesome! Let me know how it goes!
Tiffany, I’ve heard of eggshells before but when I make eggs I forget to gather them, but if I want my corn plant to grow & to be beautiful. I also heard of coffee, when I don’t finish it I pour the remainder of my coffee in my plants ESPECIALLY my corn plant, it even has a new growth…yayyy
Adriana – Wow! That’s great! I know coffee grounds are good for keeping cats out of your garden, but I didn’t know that coffee could benefit the plants. Thanks for sharing that!
Hi, hey, i wash out my egg shells and throw them into a container under the sink, where they dry out and dont smell. Then i make homemade fertilizer for orchids by adding boiling water to banana peels and crushed eggshells in a french press, let it cool, and fill ice cube trays to freeze. Each of my orchids gets 3 of these ice cubes every Sunday, and they keep blooming for me!
Betz – Great tip! Thank you!
Thank you!
Val – My pleasure!
Can you cover the container or does it need to be left open?
Janet – That’s a good question. My grandmother always left it open. But there is a strong argument for a lid. I would say you just have to try it and see what happens.
Do you use egg water as your regular watering water?
Can you use egg water on outdoor flowering plants ?
Beverly – I recommend this for outdoor use only because of the smell. Although you could take your indoor plants outside until they air out. It’s not really for regular watering, although you could replace one watering with egg shell water. Just do it occasionally.
I remember my grandmother doing this also.
Im going to try it but use a plastic jug with a lid. 🥚
Janet – Probably a good idea!
Thank you for posting this article. I’m excited to give my plants some extra nutrition!
In regard to the smell, I’m removing the thin membrane inside the shell. Maybe that will help.
Thanks again,
Lisa
Lisa – Please let me know if it does!
I did that egg water n I would water d corn plant. I had never seen that houseplant bloom. Until one my son walked in n ask if I had spray d house with perfume. Do I said no n we started to see where d smell was coming from. It was the corn plant n had flower stalks on top. The smell was heavenly,
Norma – That’s great!
Can you just put eggshells in the plant soil.
Mary – Sure. You should probably crush them though. The water just seems to be faster acting.
Crushed eggshells also deter slugs. They don’t like the sharp edges.
Dorothy – True!
I will try this great for watering house with natural fertilizers.
Sue – True! But it might smell, so use caution.
Do plastic or metal watering cans affect the calcium and sulphur from the eggshells?
Jodimcm – I’m not sure. My grandmother always used glass jugs.