How To Use Eggshells In The Garden?
Eggshells, often destined for the trash, can be a garden’s secret weapon. Rich in calcium and versatile in their applications, they can enhance your garden soil, deter pests, and provide a nutrient boost. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore expert gardening tips on how to make the most of eggshells in your garden.
Enriching Your Garden Soil
Eggshells are nature’s calcium powerhouse. Crushed eggshells can be a valuable addition to your garden beds, directly into planting holes, or mixed with potting soil. Plants like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, roses, hydrangeas, spider plants, ferns, and ivy benefit from the calcium boost. Eggshells promote healthy cell wall development and prevent conditions like blossom end rot in tomatoes.
Organic Pest Control
Eggshells aren’t just good for your plants; they’re effective organic pest control. Crushed eggshells create a natural deterrent for pests like slugs, snails, and crawling insects. Sprinkle the sharp-edged shells around plants vulnerable to these pests. The shells act like shards of glass, deterring pests while protecting your delicate garden.
Nutrient-Rich Eggshell Water
Eggshell water is a fantastic source of calcium for your plants. To make it, boil a gallon of water and add ten clean, dry eggshells. Let the shells sit in the water for several days, allowing the calcium to leach into the water. Strain the solution and use it to water your plants. This natural liquid fertilizer enriches the soil, promoting robust plant growth.
Soil Amendment and pH Balancing
Eggshells can also serve as a soil amendment, reducing soil acidity. When crushed eggshells are added to your compost pile or garden soil, they help balance pH levels, similar to agricultural lime. This is particularly beneficial for plants that thrive in slightly alkaline soil conditions.
A Barrier Against Soft-Bodied Pests
Protect your delicate seedlings from soft-bodied pests like cutworms by creating a barrier of sharp, crushed eggshells around the base of your plants. These pests find the eggshell fragments uncomfortable to traverse, keeping your young plants safe.
FAQ’s
What are the benefits of using eggshells in the garden?
Eggshells are a good source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. They can also help to improve drainage and aeration in the soil.
How can I prepare eggshells for use in the garden?
Rinse eggshells under cold water to remove any food residue. Then, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until they are dry and brittle. Once they are cool, crush them into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a food processor.
How can I use eggshells in my garden?
There are some ways to use eggshells in your garden. You can add them to your compost bin, mix them into your potting soil, or sprinkle them around the base of your plants. You can also use eggshells to make a liquid fertilizer by soaking them in water for a few days.
Are there any plants that should not be fertilized with eggshells?
Eggshells are not recommended for use on plants that are sensitive to calcium, such as blueberries, cranberries, and rhododendrons.