How To Use Eggshells As Organic Fertilizer And Pest Control

Start using eggshells in your garden. Check out the article we found over at Natural Living Ideas.

1. Fertilizer

Eggshells are a great way to add calcium to your compost.  Because shells have a very high surface area to volume ratio, they decompose very quickly.  Don’t even worry about sterilizing or grinding them up.  Just toss your shells on the pile or into the barrel and turn them under.

Alternately, you can incorporate crumbled eggshell directly into the bottoms of your planting holes in the spring.

During the winter months, distribute your shells over the plot of land where you will plant come springtime.  Once the ground warms up, you can till the shells into the soil.  If you are adverse to the idea of having eggshells on the ground all winter, you can also clean and store the shells until planting season rolls around.

While calcium is considered a secondary nutrient for plants, your garden will certainly appreciate the added minerals, especially if you grow tomatoes or peppers as these plants are the most easily affected by calcium-deficiency.

2. Pest-Deterrent

If you have problems with slugs and snails in your garden, try sprinkling coarsely-crumbled eggshells around the plants where these slimy little pests like to dine.  The shells’ sharp edges deter snails and slugs by abrading the sensitive foot of any land mollusc that attempts to cross the barrier.  Most snails and slugs will quickly emigrate from your garden in search of easier pickings.

3. Aesthetic Value

Finely-ground eggshells can also be quite pretty.  If you have a large family or simply eat a lot of eggs, boil your shells to sterilize them, crumble, then drop them into a large glass jar for storage.  Once you’ve collected enough shell crumbles, sprinkle them around and in between your plants.  Not only will the eggshells help control pests and eventually add calcium back to the soil, the white color can also be a beautiful accent to your garden.  Add crumbled oyster shells for an even more interesting appearance with all of the same garden health benefits.

With these six tips under your belt, now both you and your garden can enjoy the health benefits of nature’s perfect food – the egg.

Next Article: New Study Says – Eggshells Are A Better Source Of Calcium Than Supplements

Read full article: 6 Convincing Reasons You Should Start Using Eggshells In Your Garden