Planting Cucumber in Egg shell

Egg shells can be a great source of nutrition for plants as they contain calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for plant growth. As an organic farmer, I faced difficulties in transplanting cucumbers to vertical sacks due to their low survival rate after transplantation. Cucumbers do not like their roots disturbed during transplantation from nurseries. To address this issue, I decided to use egg shell nurseries for my Dutch cucumber, giant watermelon, and cantaloupe plants.

The egg shell nursery is a cost-effective way to achieve great results. To create the nursery, I made a small hole in the eggshell with a needle. This hole allows the plant roots to reach the outer soil when transplanted and ensures effective drainage of water. By using egg shells, I am providing my plants with the best possible start and ensuring that they receive the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.

Egg shell nurseries can be an excellent option for small-scale gardeners and organic farmers looking for a low-cost, sustainable method to start their plants. Not only does it provide essential nutrients to the plants, but it also helps in reducing waste by utilizing eggshells that would otherwise be discarded. Overall, egg shell nurseries are an innovative and eco-friendly solution for plant nurseries.

Eggshells are a great source of calcium and phosphorus for plants, especially during their fruiting stage. Before using eggshells in the garden, it is important to wash them thoroughly and handle them with care as they are fragile. In addition to using eggshells as a whole in the egg shell nursery, they can also be ground and roasted to make calcium and phosphorus supplements for plants. These supplements can be added as soil amendments or applied as foliar sprays to provide nutrients to plants. Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for the production of large, sweet watermelon fruits. By incorporating eggshells into their gardening practices, farmers can provide their plants with essential nutrients in a cost-effective and eco-friendly manner.

Heating the soil is a common practice used by many gardeners and farmers to sterilize the soil and kill harmful pathogens that may affect the growth of their plants. This method can be particularly useful for starting a nursery or seedlings indoors.

One of the most effective ways to heat soil is through solarization. This method involves covering the soil with a clear plastic sheet and leaving it in place for several weeks. The sun's heat will be trapped under the plastic, causing the soil temperature to rise and killing any pathogens present in the soil.

Another method is using a soil heating cable or mat, which can be placed under the seed trays or containers. These cables and mats can be plugged in and will heat the soil to a desired temperature, which is typically around 70-75°F (21-24°C). This method is particularly useful for starting seeds indoors in the winter when the soil is too cold for germination.

It's important to note that while soil heating can be beneficial for killing pathogens, it can also have a negative effect on beneficial microorganisms that are important for healthy soil. It's important to maintain a balance and not rely on soil heating as a regular practice.

While filling the egg shell with sand is a viable option for keeping the sprouted plant alive before transplanting, it's important to ensure that the sand is free of any contaminants that could harm the plant. Additionally, it's important to ensure that the sand is moist enough to keep the plant hydrated but not too wet as it could lead to root rot. Another option would be to fill the egg shell with a seed starting mix or potting soil, which would provide the plant with the necessary nutrients and moisture to grow before transplanting. This would also eliminate the need for the egg shell to rot in the soil, as it could be removed before transplanting the plant. Regardless of the method used, providing the plant with a healthy start is crucial for its overall growth and productivity.