Eggshells: Go and Sow Them in Your Plants Right Away—You’ve Never Had a Garden Like This

🌱 Why Eggshells Are So Good for Plants

Eggshells are more than just kitchen waste — they’re nature’s own slow-release fertilizer. Here’s what they bring to your garden:

• Rich in Calcium Carbonate: Promotes strong cell walls, prevents blossom-end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
• Contains Trace Minerals: Magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus that enrich the soil.
• Balances Soil pH: Helps neutralize acidic soil naturally.
• Improves Drainage and Aeration: Crushed shells create space in compact soil, helping roots breathe.
• Eco-Friendly Pest Deterrent: Their sharp edges can discourage slugs, snails, and cutworms.

🥄 How to Prepare Eggshells for Your Plants

1. Collect and Clean

Save your eggshells after cooking. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any residue. You can also boil them briefly to kill bacteria.

2. Dry Them Completely

Spread the shells on a tray and let them air dry, or place them in the oven for 10 minutes at low heat (around 200°F / 90°C).

3. Crush or Grind

Once dry, crush the shells into small pieces with your hands or a rolling pin. For faster absorption, grind them into a fine powder using a blender or mortar and pestle.

🌿 5 Ways to Use Eggshells in the Garden

1. As a Natural Fertilizer

Sprinkle crushed or powdered eggshells around the base of plants like tomatoes, peppers, and roses. Over time, they release calcium into the soil, strengthening plant structure.

2. In Compost

Add eggshells to your compost pile. They help balance the acidity and add valuable minerals, making your compost even more nutritious.

3. For Seed Starters

Use half eggshells as biodegradable seedling cups! Fill them with potting soil, plant your seeds, and when they’re ready to transplant, simply place the whole shell in the ground — it will decompose and feed the plant.

4. To Deter Pests

Scatter crushed eggshells around plants to discourage slugs and snails. The sharp edges make it difficult for them to crawl over.

5. As a Soil Amendment

Mix ground eggshells directly into the soil before planting to improve calcium levels and soil texture.

🌸 Bonus Tip: Eggshell Tea for Plants

You can even make a simple eggshell fertilizer tea:

Instructions:

1. Boil 10–12 clean eggshells in 1 gallon of water for about 10 minutes.
2. Let the water cool and steep overnight.
3. Strain and use the water to water your plants once a week for a calcium boost.

This “eggshell tea” works wonders for tomatoes, peppers, and houseplants that need extra nutrients.