Recycling is important: Don't discard unnecessarily!
Eggshells, a common kitchen waste, are proving to be a hidden treasure for gardeners, homeowners, and health enthusiasts alike. Not only do they offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution, but they also promote sustainable living in various ways.
In the Garden
Crushed eggshells can serve as a natural fertilizer and soil amendment, providing valuable minerals such as calcium that help plants thrive. Simply rinse, dry, and crush the shells before mixing them into planting holes or sprinkling them around the base of your plants every few weeks. This practice not only benefits plants but also prevents issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
The sharp-edged structure of the crushed eggshells can deter pests such as slugs, snails, cutworms, and even stray cats, offering a natural pest barrier. Eggshells can also be used as seed starters by using rinsed eggshell halves in a carton as biodegradable seedling pots.
For a more immediate nutrient boost, create a water-soluble calcium fertilizer spray by steeping crushed eggshells in water, then straining and spraying the liquid onto plant foliage.
Around the House
Eggshells can be used in multiple household applications. Steep eggshells in water and use this solution to water indoor plants for a gentle calcium boost. Crushed eggshells can act as a mild abrasive cleaner for stubborn pans and cookware, and some people even use them to help whiten linens in the laundry.
For Health Purposes
Eggshells can also be used as a natural calcium source for humans. To make a homemade calcium supplement, bake rinsed eggshells at 350°F for 8 minutes, cool, then grind into a fine powder. Add a teaspoon (or less) to smoothies or juice daily as a calcium supplement. For dogs, especially those on homemade diets, half a teaspoon of ground eggshells per pound of food can provide extra calcium.
Some cultures use powdered eggshells in DIY face masks or to soothe minor skin irritations, though scientific evidence on these uses is limited.
Tips for Best Results
Always ensure that eggshells are thoroughly rinsed and dried before use to prevent odor and bacterial growth. Grinding the shells into a fine powder increases their effectiveness and speeds their breakdown in soil. Recycle all parts of the eggshells, even broken or small fragments, by using them for mulch or composting.
Eggshells offer an eco-friendly, cost-effective way to enhance your garden, household, and even your nutrition, proving that sustainable living can start right in your kitchen. They can be creatively used as mini candle molds, and their multifunctional properties make them a valuable resource for those seeking to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
[1] Gardening Know How (2021) Eggshells in the Garden: How to Use Eggshells in Your Garden. [Online] Available at: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/eggshells-in-garden-soil.htm
[2] The Spruce (2021) How to Use Eggshells in the Garden. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/use-eggshells-in-the-garden-1440034
[3] The Spruce Eats (2021) Eggshells: 10 Uses for Eggshells Around the House. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruceeats.com/uses-for-eggshells-around-the-house-1902629
[4] The Spruce (2021) How to Make a Calcium Spray for Plants. [Online] Available at: https://www.thespruce.com/make-a-calcium-spray-for-plants-1440032
In the garden, crushed eggshells can act as a natural fertilizer and pest barrier by being mixed into soil, sprinkled around plants, or used as seed starters. For a healthier lifestyle, eggshells can be ground into a powder as a natural calcium supplement for humans or dogs, or used in DIY face masks for potential skincare benefits.
