Eggshells, often discarded as kitchen waste, are actually a hidden treasure trove of nutrients and surprising uses for your garden.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, these ingenious ways to use eggshells are about to become your new secret weapon for a thriving garden.
1. Natural Fertilizer
Eggshells are rich in calcium, which is essential for plant growth and prevents blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
- How to use: Crush or grind the eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle them around the base of your plants or mix them into the soil.
2. Seed Starters
Clean eggshells can serve as biodegradable pots for starting seedlings indoors.
- How to use: Poke a small drainage hole in the bottom of the eggshell, fill it with soil, and plant your seeds. Transplant the whole eggshell into the garden when the seedlings are ready.
3. Pest Deterrent
The sharp edges of crushed eggshells can deter slugs and snails from munching on your plants.
- How to use: Create a barrier around vulnerable plants with crushed eggshells.
4. Compost Booster
Eggshells add valuable calcium to your compost pile, promoting healthy microbial activity.
- How to use: Crush or grind the eggshells and add them to your compost pile.
5. Soil Aeration
Crushed eggshells mixed into the soil can improve drainage and aeration, especially in heavy clay soils.
- How to use: Mix crushed eggshells into the soil before planting or as a top dressing around established plants.
6. pH Adjuster
Eggshells can help to raise the pH of acidic soil, making it more suitable for a wider range of plants.
- How to use: Crush or grind the eggshells into a fine powder and mix them into the soil.
7. Calcium Supplement for Birds
If you have bird feeders in your garden, crushed eggshells can provide a valuable calcium source for birds, especially during nesting season.
- How to use: Offer crushed eggshells in a separate dish or sprinkle them around the base of bird feeders.
8. Cutworm Collars
Young seedlings are vulnerable to cutworms, which can sever their stems at the soil line. Eggshell halves placed around the base of seedlings act as protective barriers.
- How to use: Cut eggshells in half lengthwise and gently place them around the stems of seedlings, pressing them slightly into the soil.
9. Pot Drainage
Adding crushed eggshells to the bottom of pots improves drainage and prevents soil compaction.
- How to use: Place a layer of crushed eggshells at the bottom of the pot before filling it with potting soil.
10. Worm Food
Eggshells provide essential grit that aids in the digestion of organic matter in worm composting systems.
- How to use: Crush or grind the eggshells and add them to your worm bin.
11. Tool Cleaner
Crushed eggshells can be used to scrub and clean garden tools, removing rust and dirt.
- How to use: Wet your tools and use crushed eggshells as a gentle abrasive to scrub away grime.
12. Foliar Spray
A liquid eggshell fertilizer can be sprayed directly onto plant leaves to provide a quick calcium boost.
- How to use: Soak crushed eggshells in water for a few days, strain the liquid, and spray it on your plants.
13. Deterrent for Larger Pests
Scattered eggshells can deter larger pests like cats, squirrels, and raccoons from digging in your garden.
- How to use: Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the perimeter of your garden or in areas where pests are a problem.
14. Blossom End Rot Prevention
A common problem in tomatoes, peppers, and squash, blossom end rot is caused by calcium deficiency. Adding crushed eggshells to the soil helps prevent this condition.
- How to use: Mix crushed eggshells into the soil around the base of vulnerable plants.
15. Homemade Garden Markers
Clean, dry eggshells can be used as creative and biodegradable plant markers.
- How to use: Write the plant names on the eggshells with a marker and place them in the garden next to the corresponding plants.
So, before you toss those shells in the trash, remember the incredible potential they hold for your green space.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.