Are you looking to boost your tomato harvest this summer? A popular gardening hack shared by TikTok user Libby Flanagan may hold the key to doubling your tomato yield. According to Flanagan, a surprising kitchen ingredient—eggs—could be the secret to more productive tomato plants.
Tomato season is in full swing, with the optimal planting time typically starting in mid-May. To maximize growth, it’s crucial to plant tomatoes in a warm, sunny, and sheltered location outdoors. Fertilizers are often used to help the plants grow bigger and juicier, but Flanagan’s hack takes a different approach.
She suggests cracking an egg into the hole where you plan to plant your tomatoes. “Add the shell as well, crushing it all up with a stick,” Flanagan advises. She emphasizes the importance of digging a deep hole to bury the plant “nice and deep.” This allows the fibrous stem to develop more roots, enhancing the plant’s overall growth.
Many gardeners have vouched for the effectiveness of this hack. “I did this last year. The ones with eggs grew over 6-7 feet and produced amazing tomatoes. Will be doing it again this year,” one user commented. Another noted, “My elderly neighbor did this in her garden, and her tomatoes were amazing. I do it too.”
However, not everyone is convinced. Larry Hodgson from the Laidback Gardener blog argues that while eggs are rich in nutrients like phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium, this method could lead to unpleasant consequences. “The real reason you have to plant eggs so deeply is because they give off horrible odors when they rot,” Hodgson explains. He also warns that the scent could attract unwanted wildlife, such as raccoons and rats, which might disturb your garden.
Despite the mixed opinions, some tomato growers may be tempted to experiment with this hack in their plots. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, the allure of a bountiful tomato harvest might just be worth a try.
