5 Great Uses For Eggshells In The Garden

Eggshells are often considered waste, but did you know they can be incredibly useful in the garden? Instead of throwing them away, you can repurpose them to improve the health of your plants and soil. Here are 5 great uses for eggshells in the garden.

Soil Amendment

Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which is an essential nutrient for plants. Adding crushed eggshells to your garden soil can help improve its structure and provide the necessary nutrients for healthy plant growth.

One way to use eggshells as a soil amendment is to crush them into small pieces and mix them into the soil. This can help to improve soil aeration and drainage, which is essential for healthy plant growth.

Additionally, the calcium in the eggshells can help to neutralize acidic soil, making it more suitable for a wider range of plants.

It’s important to note that while eggshells can be a great addition to your garden soil, they should be used in moderation.

Too much calcium can harm your plants, so it’s best to use eggshells with other soil amendments and fertilizers.

Overall, using eggshells as a soil amendment can be a great way to improve the health and productivity of your garden.

Seed Starter Pots

Eggshells make excellent seed starter pots. They are biodegradable and provide nutrients to the soil as they decompose. Here are the steps to make eggshell seed starter pots:

1. Crack the top of the eggshell with a knife or scissors, and remove the egg.
2. Rinse the eggshell and let it dry.
3. Poke a small hole at the bottom of the eggshell for drainage.
4. Fill the eggshell with potting soil and plant the seed according to the instructions on the packet.
5. Water the soil and place the eggshell in a warm and bright spot.

Once the seedling outgrows the eggshell, it can be transplanted directly into the soil. The eggshell will decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.

Eggshell seed starter pots are a fun and sustainable way to start your garden. They are also a great activity for kids to learn about gardening and recycling.

Compost Addition

Composting is a great way to recycle organic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Eggshells are an excellent addition to your compost pile, as they are rich in calcium and other minerals that plants need to grow strong and healthy.

When adding eggshells to your compost, it is important to crush them into small pieces first. This will help them break down more quickly and prevent them from taking up too much space in your compost bin.

To create a balanced compost mix, you can also add other organic materials, such as vegetable scraps, leaves, and grass clippings.

Once your compost is ready, you can use it to enrich your garden soil or as a top dressing around your plants. The calcium and other minerals from the eggshells will help promote healthy plant growth and can also help prevent common garden problems, such as blossom end rot in tomatoes.

Using eggshells in your compost is an easy and effective way to boost your garden. Plus, it’s a great way to reduce waste and create a more sustainable garden.

Slug Deterrent

Slugs and snails can be a real problem in the garden, eating away at all those lovely plants that you’ve worked so hard to cultivate. Luckily, eggshells can help keep these pests at bay.

The sharp edges of crushed eggshells can act as a barrier, making it difficult for slugs and snails to crawl over and reach your plants. This is because the eggshells’ jagged edges can cut into these pests’ soft bodies, causing them to retreat.

To use eggshells as a slug deterrent, crush them up into small pieces and scatter them around the base of your plants. Be sure to use clean and dry eggshells, as any remaining egg residue can actually attract slugs and snails.

Additionally, you can use eggshells to create a barrier around your garden by crushing them up and mixing them into the soil. This will create a rough surface that slugs and snails will have a hard time crossing.

Remember that while eggshells can effectively deter slugs and snails, they are not a foolproof solution. To further protect your plants, consider using other natural pest control methods such as diatomaceous earth or copper tape.

Mulch

Eggshells can be used as mulch in your garden, providing a striking accent and many benefits. Mulching with eggshells helps to retain moisture in the soil, which is especially important during hot and dry weather. This can help to reduce the need for watering and save you time and effort in the long run.

In addition to retaining moisture, eggshells used as mulch can also deter weeds from growing in your garden. The sharp edges of the eggshells can make it difficult for weeds to take root and grow, reducing the need for weeding and making your garden look neater and tidier.

Eggshell mulch can also provide a source of calcium to your plants as the eggshells break down over time. Calcium is an essential nutrient for plants, helping to promote healthy growth and development. By using eggshells as mulch, you can provide your plants with a natural and organic source of calcium, without the need for chemical fertilizers.

To use eggshells as mulch, crush them into small pieces and spread them around the base of your plants. Be sure to avoid placing the eggshells too close to the stem of the plant, as this can cause damage. Instead, spread the eggshells out in a thin layer around the base of the plant, covering the soil.

Overall, using eggshells as mulch can provide many benefits to your garden, including moisture retention, weed control, and a natural source of calcium for your plants. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your garden!

How to Use Eggshells in the Garden

Eggshells are a great addition to any garden, providing a range of benefits to your plants. Here are some simple ways to use eggshells in your garden:

1. Crushed Eggshells as Fertilizer

Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Crushed eggshells can be added to the soil to provide a slow-release source of calcium. To use eggshells as fertilizer, simply crush them into small pieces and sprinkle them around the base of your plants.

2. Eggshells as Seed Starters

Eggshells can also be used as biodegradable seed starters. Simply crack an egg and gently remove the top portion of the shell. Rinse out the remaining egg and fill the shell with soil and seeds. Once the seeds have sprouted, the entire eggshell can be planted directly into the soil.

3. Eggshells as Pest Control

Eggshells can also help to deter pests in your garden. Crushed eggshells can be sprinkled around the base of plants to create a barrier that slugs and snails will avoid. The sharp edges of the eggshells can also deter other crawling insects, such as ants.

4. Eggshells as Mulch

Eggshells can also be used as mulch to help retain moisture in the soil. Simply crush the eggshells into small pieces and spread them around the base of your plants. The eggshells will break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to the soil.

5. Eggshells as Compost

Eggshells can also be added to your compost pile to help balance the pH levels of the soil. The calcium in the eggshells can also help to speed up the decomposition process. To use eggshells in your compost, simply crush them into small pieces and add them to the pile.