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Eggshells, often dismissed as kitchen waste, are gardening gold. Rich in calcium carbonate, an essential mineral for plant health, eggshells offer a sustainable and cost-effective way to enrich your garden.
Eggshells can play a key role in creating a vibrant, sustainable garden. They can also boost plant growth, support wildlife, and improve soil health. So, the next time you crack an egg, think twice before discarding the shell.
Here are 11 exciting ways to use it around the garden.
For the Compost
Adding eggshells to your compost pile is a simple way to increase the calcium content of your garden soil. This is crucial because calcium is key to strong plant cell walls. Crushed eggshells mix seamlessly into compost, eventually enriching the soil with nutrients that support healthy plant growth.
Planting Boost
Placing crushed eggshells in the planting hole can provide a significant growth boost when planting seedlings like tomatoes or eggplants. This practice supplies essential nutrients and promotes healthy root development, ensuring a smooth transition for the plant from pot to garden.
Side Dressing
Sprinkling crushed eggshells around your plants increases soil calcium levels. Apply a layer of eggshells under the drip line of tomato plants to encourage fruit set.
Eggshell Tea
Eggshell tea is an excellent way to deliver nutrients directly to plants’ root zones. Soak crushed eggshells in hot water, let the mixture cool, and use it to water your plants. This nutrient-rich tea is especially beneficial for vegetable gardens, providing a weekly dose of essential minerals.
Starting Seedlings
Kickstart your seedlings in eggshells for an eco-friendly beginning. Half an eggshell filled with soil provides the perfect biodegradable pot for starting seeds. Once the seedlings are ready, plant eggshells directly into your garden. The eggshell will eventually decompose, enriching the soil with calcium.
Mulch
Crushed eggshells can be a valuable component of garden mulch, helping to retain moisture and improve soil structure. Mixing eggshells with organic mulch materials like leaf litter enhances the soil’s air and water movement, promoting a healthier garden.
For the Birds
Birds, particularly during nesting season, benefit from the calcium in eggshells. Clean and crush eggshells before adding them to bird feeders. This simple act supports bird health and, by extension, aids in pest control and pollination in your garden.
Chicken Feed
Feeding crushed eggshells back to chickens is a form of nutrient recycling. It gives them a critical calcium boost, ensuring stronger eggshells in their future layings.
Balance Soil pH
Eggshells can help balance soil pH and aerate the ground. Their alkaline nature neutralizes acidic soil, benefiting plants that prefer neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. Additionally, their coarse texture enhances soil aeration, which is crucial for root health.
Pest Deterrence
A ring of crushed eggshells around plants can physically deter soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails. This method provides a safe and natural way to protect your plants without harsh chemicals.
Supporting Earthworms
Eggshells benefit plants and earthworms, which are essential for healthy soil. The calcium in eggshells aids earthworm reproduction and growth, further enhancing soil structure and nutrient availability.
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