Using Eggshells in the Garden
The calcium from eggshells is also welcome in garden soil, where it moderates soil acidity while providing nutrients for plants. Eggshells contain such an abundance of calcium that they can be used almost like lime, though you would need a lot of eggshells to make a measurable impact. By the time they are well ground, it takes 150 eggshells to make a cup of coarse eggshell powder. I should know. I make precious pulverized eggshells and use them as a dietary supplement for selected plants. Tomatoes that have a handful of eggshell meal worked into the planting site are not likely to develop blossom end rot, and plenty of soil calcium reduces tip burn in cabbage, too.
I have heard ten thousand times that eggshells placed on the soil’s surface deter slugs, but when I tried it the slugs just laughed. When some Oregon slug slayers set up two actual tests, they found that a ring of eggshells stimulated slug feeding rather than stopping it (see photo at right). It is a myth that eggshells deter slugs.
Yet eggshells are quite useful in adding calcium to homemade fertilizers, or you can simply make calcium water by steeping dried eggshells in water for a couple of days, and then using the strained water for your plants, including houseplants. Plants that haven’t been repotted for some time often perk up quickly when given a good drench of eggshell water.
Here are 6 ways you can use eggshells in your garden:
1. Natural Fertilizer
Using eggshell fertilizer is especially important if you plan to grow peppers or tomatoes. These plants are most likely affected wbycalcium deficiency. Your garden will surely benefit from eggshells, and if you don’t want to use them right away, you can clean them up and place them in storage.
2. Seed Starter Pots
To use eggshells as starter pots you shouldn’t break them, just make a hole at the bottom of the shell when you plan on using the eggs. When empty, make a drainageholee to the eggshells and place them on a carton. Then, start filling each one with potting soil and prepare the seeds for the soil. Once the seedlings outgrow the eggshells, transplant them.
3. Pest Control
The sharp edges of the shells will deter the snails, slugs, and other pests. The shells will serve as the barrier and these pests and will scare insects and pests away from your garden!
4. Used In Mulching
Improve your soil by using eggshells! Apply a thick layer of shells to help deter weeds. The eggshell fertilizer will oisturize the soil and will also improve fertility among the plants.
5. Repel Deer
Deer are amazing, but they can make a huge mess out of your garden if they come near it! The good thing is they hate the smell of eggs. So, scatter the eggshells all over those plants that the deer love. Placing eggshells in your garden will sure tcare them away.
6. Add In Compost
Eggshells are great for compost. The shells break down very easily and the calcium from eggshells can help to make the soil even healthier.
