Eggshells are more than just kitchen waste — they’re a valuable resource for your garden. Rich in calcium carbonate and other minerals, eggshells can improve soil health, deter pests, and even boost plant growth. Below are 15 effective and simple ways to use eggshells in your garden.
1. Natural Fertilizer
Eggshells are packed with calcium (95%), plus small amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and protein. Crushing and mixing them into your soil helps prevent calcium deficiency, which can cause problems like blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
👉 Tip: Let shells dry, crush finely, and sprinkle into the soil or compost.
2. Compost Booster
Adding eggshells to your compost pile increases the calcium content of the final product. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, composted eggshells slowly release nutrients, enriching the soil naturally.
📚 Study: University of Florida Extension suggests eggshells help balance compost pH levels and improve microbial activity.
3. Pest Deterrent (Slugs & Snails)
Crushed eggshells act as a natural barrier with sharp edges that deter soft-bodied pests like slugs, snails, and cutworms from reaching your plants.
👉 How to use: Circle your plants with a thick layer of crushed shells.
4. Seed Starters
Eggshells make eco-friendly seed starters. They’re biodegradable and add nutrients as they break down in the soil.
👣 Steps:
- Crack eggs gently and clean out.
- Poke a small drainage hole at the bottom.
- Fill with soil and plant your seed.
- Transplant directly into the garden.
5. pH Balancer for Acidic Soil
Soils that are too acidic can stunt plant growth. Eggshells can help raise the pH slightly due to their alkaline nature.
✔ Best for: Tomatoes, spinach, and cabbage, which prefer neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
6. Tomato Plant Supplement
Tomatoes often suffer from calcium deficiency. Adding crushed eggshells directly into planting holes or around the base prevents blossom-end rot and strengthens cell walls.
7. Bird Feed Supplement
Scatter crushed eggshells on the soil to attract birds. Birds not only benefit from the calcium boost, but they also help control pests like caterpillars and beetles.
8. Deter Deer and Cats
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