13 reasons you shouldn’t be throwing your eggshells away

1. A Natural Calcium Supplement

Eggshells are made of about 95% calcium carbonate, the same type of calcium found in dietary supplements. When ground into a fine powder and added to smoothies or food (after proper boiling and baking for safety), they can naturally help strengthen bones, teeth, and nails.

2. Boost Your Garden’s Soil Health

Crushed eggshells enrich soil with calcium, helping tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants grow stronger and prevent blossom-end rot. Sprinkle them directly around the base of your plants or mix them into your compost.

3. Keep Pests Away Naturally

Gardeners love eggshells because their sharp edges deter slugs, snails, and cutworms without using chemicals. Scatter crushed shells around plants as an eco-friendly pest barrier.

4. Start Seedlings Indoors

Eggshell halves make adorable and biodegradable mini planters! Fill each half with potting mix, plant a seed, and once it sprouts, transplant the entire shell into your garden. The shell will break down and feed the soil.

5. Add Shine to Your Pots and Pans

Need a gentle scrubber? Mix crushed eggshells with soapy water to create a natural, mild abrasive cleaner for pots, pans, and even coffee mugs stained with tea.

6. Enrich Your Compost Bin

Eggshells break down slowly but add valuable minerals like calcium and magnesium to compost. Crush them before tossing them in to speed up decomposition.

7. Nourish Indoor Plants

Mix crushed eggshells into the potting soil or steep them in water to make a nutrient-rich “eggshell tea” that helps indoor plants thrive.

8. DIY Face Mask for Glowing Skin

Crushed eggshell powder mixed with egg white creates a natural tightening face mask rich in minerals. It can help exfoliate and brighten your skin when used occasionally.