There’s nothing like a batch of scrambled eggs in the morning to get you on track. But what if, instead of dumping the remaining eggshells, you find a much smarter way to use them? While most of us think of “omelette” or “frittata” when we look at an egg, that’s not really the case for a gardener (especially one who tends to be obsessed with the subject)! A gardener will look at an egg and think: “Yes! Eggshells!”.
Although we all love what’s inside eggs (and obviously don’t want to chew the shells), did you know that your plants also love what’s on the outside? Yes, you’ve read correctly! Eggshells can work wonders in your garden! They’re almost entirely made of calcium carbonate, which our bodies need for healthy bones and muscles. And so do our plants! Therefore, don’t toss these shells away. Whether you’re growing a victory garden or maintaining an indoor plant menagerie, there are many ways to use your eggshells to give your plants a nutritional boost. Let’s see how you can add some zest to your gardening haven!
#1. Seed Starting
Don’t waste all your money on expensive seed starter trays. Instead, look for help in the eggshells. Simply drill a small hole in the bottom of an eggshell with a nail. This will allow good drainage. Then add some potting soil to the shell. You can plant your seeds by following the instructions on the bags. As soon as the sprouts appear, you can plant them – eggshell and all – directly in your garden.
#2. Better Soil
Even if you don’t plan to grow anything in your garden right away, it’s a good idea to add eggshells. From lowering your soil’s overall acidity to aerating it, these magical layers help improve your soil’s structure and allow water, nutrients, and beneficial microorganisms to do their work on your plants easier.
#3. Ultimate Fertilizers
Eggshells are incredibly rich in calcium. While nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are all essential for healthy soils – the ubiquitous “N-P-K” you see on fertilizer labels – calcium is also crucial. Calcium helps plants develop healthy cell walls. You can quickly introduce eggshells into the soil. Simply crush them and bury them in the soil. You can add them to the hole at planting time, or you can add them in the fall and let them slowly decompose during the winter months. Either way, your plants will thank you! You can use eggshells as fertilizer on any plant, but they work incredibly well for plants like tomatoes, which are very rich in calcium.
#4. Pest Control
Got slugs? Many gardeners swear by using crushed eggshells to help repel slugs and snails. The jury’s still out on whether, scientifically, this is actually an effective method. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that the harsh shells penetrate through a slug’s soft skin and dry it out, making it unlikely to come back to your broccoli, lettuce, or other sensitive plants.
#5. Mulching using eggshells
Mulch brings a ton of benefits to a garden. It can discourage weeds, retain moisture, and provide a striking accent. It takes a lot of eggshells to make a dent, but if you have a supply, don’t hesitate to crush them and use them as mulch around your plants. They’ll also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
#6. Add Eggshells to the Compost Pile
If you are a gardener, you probably already know the countless advantages of using eggshells in the compost! Eggshells, mostly when crushed into fine particles, do not take long to decompose. Add them to the compost pile, and you can provide a wide range of beneficial nutrients. Your compost, which can then be used in your garden, will thank you!
#7. Scrub Your Garden Pots
At the end of the gardening season, you should clean your containers thoroughly. It can be challenging to get some of that cake dirt out of your pots. Fortunately, eggshells are wonderfully abrasive. Simply crush a few shells in a dirty container with a little soap and hot water. This will remove soil pathogens that can make your plants sick in the following planting seasons. What’s more, cleaning will make your pots a million times more beautiful! You will have a clean, sparkling container in no time!
Need a professional hand for your garden in Melbourne? Call Savtech (Aust) Pty Ltd on speed dial! Whether you want a brand-new landscape or simply want to rejuvenate your existing garden, they have the perfect solution to jazz up your green space!
