| A client asked me the other day if eggshells were good for the garden. Grace also alluded to an intriguing comment last month in the Ask the Gardener post concerning coffee grounds, so in response to that, may I present you with eggshells, which are great or, should l say, eggsellent resources in the garden which offer many benefits for plants, soil, and pest control. Here are some of the most common and practical uses: |
| Soil Amendment & Fertilizer Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, a key nutrient for plants. Adding crushed eggshells to soil can: Prevent calcium deficiency in plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which can suffer from blossom end rot due to a lack of calcium. Improve soil structure, making it more aerated and well-draining. Balance pH levels in acidic soils, acting as a natural lime substitute. Compost Booster Eggshells break down in compost piles, adding valuable calcium and other trace minerals. Drying and crushing them before adding them to compost speeds up decomposition. Natural Pest Repellent Deter slugs and snails: The sharp edges of crushed eggshells create a rough barrier that soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails avoid. Repel certain insects: Some gardeners believe finely crushed eggshells help deter pests like cutworms and beetles. Seed Starters Eggshells can be used as biodegradable seed-starting pots:Rinse out half-shells, poke a small drainage hole at the bottom, fill with potting soil, and plant seeds. Once seedlings grow, the eggshell can be planted in the soil, providing extra nutrients. Feed for Birds & Beneficial Insects Crushed eggshells provide a calcium boost for birds, especially during nesting and breeding seasons when they need extra calcium to lay firm eggs. Some beneficial insects, like ladybugs, also benefit from calcium in eggshells. Mulch Alternative Eggshells can be scattered around plants as a slow-release calcium source to help retain soil moisture. Their white colour can reflect sunlight, keeping the soil cooler in hot weather. Preventing Root Rot & Fungal Diseases Eggshells contain antifungal properties that may help reduce the risk of root rot and some soil-borne fungal diseases. DIY Calcium Spray Boil eggshells in water, let them sit overnight, strain, and use the calcium-rich water as a foliar spray to strengthen plant cell walls. Improving Compost Tea Adding crushed eggshells to compost tea can enrich the liquid fertilizer with extra calcium and minerals, making it more beneficial for plants. |
Earthly Comforts 
As I am sure I’ve commented before I never knew where my mother got her green thumb and gardening knowledge from since she grew up in a tenement in Greenwich Village. Various food detritus went on specific plants – it bugs me that I can’t remember which plants got the eggshells. She didn’t grow vegetables – just flowers tho on the narrow strip of dirt by the side of the house she would plant tulips and then after they bloomed would dig up the bulbs and plant lettuce and after that bloomed she would plant basil, which was harvested and preserved for use throughout the year, and then all that would be dug out and the tulip bulbs re-planted in the Fall…her own peculiar form of plant rotation.
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Well as l like to say, if it works, it works 🙂
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Thank you for sharing this information, Rory. I remember my mom using eggshells, and she could make anything grow. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit that trait.
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