Eggshells can be really useful, and there are very good reasons not to throw them away. By saving eggshells for later use, you may be helping your garden or orchard and you may not have known it. It is no small coincidence that eggshells are used by keen gardeners everywhere.
Why you shouldn’t throw away eggshells
Here are 9 reasons why you should give egg waste a try. With the following tips, your garden will be blooming in no time. An added bonus is that none of the advice is complicated to put into practice.
Take a look at the list below and remember to share with your friends afterwards so they too can use their eggshells, they will surely appreciate it.
1. Nutrients for the soil
Eggshells break down quickly and can add a lot of nutrients to the soil. Among other things, the shells contain valuable calcium and other minerals. If you have enough eggshells, you can really enrich your soil.
2. Increased drainage capacity
Digging holes and placing eggshells under plants can help increase the soil’s drainage capacity and air circulation. This, in turn, helps the plants stay healthy. Just remember that you are going to have to replace the eggshells as they degrade.
3. Beneficial for tomatoes and other foods
Tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers can suffer from calcium deficiency during growth, causing them to rot. A tip to avoid this is bury eggshells in the ground. As stated above, the calcium they contain can be absorbed by the soil and then used by plants.
4. Keep snails and worms at bay
A classic garden trick involves scattering broken eggshells around plants, flowers, and crops. The shells are good for keeping snails and worms away, all without touching the pesticides.
5. Keep deer away
Alright, not all of you need to worry about deer getting into your plants, but for those who do (people who live in more rural areas), deer apparently hate the smell of eggshells.
6. Seed Growth
If you are thinking of planting seeds, eggshells can be perfect as biodegradable pots. Rinse the husk, put them in a cardboard box next to the windowsill and tidy up the dirt and sprouts. In this way, the plants also get extra calcium (as already mentioned). When the sprouts get too big, simply place the husks in the ground. Of course, it’s a good idea to make a hole in the eggshell for the roots to spread out.
7. Bird food
Small birds love crushed eggshells because they contain a lot of calcium. When birds come to your garden they offer even more benefits, including their own pest control methods.
8. pH Balance
The pH balance of the soil can affect the color of certain flowers. Take, for example, the hydrangea, which can turn pink or blue depending on the acid/alkaline balance in the soil. If your soil is too acidic, using eggshells to balance the pH can be a good trick.
9. Compost
Eggshells can be a great addition to compost. Remember to mash them first to ensure you get the best results.
With these few tips, you can reduce waste and help your garden at the same time, and it’s super easy to do.