Before tossing those eggshells from your sunny-side-up breakfast, consider using them in your garden! Eggshells are rich in calcium, which promotes healthy plant growth, and they also contain protein, magnesium, and trace minerals. Here’s how versatile they can be:

1. Natural Fertilizer: Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which helps strengthen plant cell walls. Crush the shells into small pieces and mix them into the soil to add this nutrient.
2. Natural Pest Control: Crushed eggshells can be scattered around plants to deter pests like slugs and snails. The sharp edges of the shells act as a barrier that they avoid.
3. Composting: Eggshells break down quickly in compost, enriching the compost with calcium, an essential nutrient for plant growth.
4. Seed Starters: You can use eggshell halves as small seedling containers. Once the seedlings are ready, the shell can be planted directly into the soil, where it will decompose and add nutrients.
5. pH Balance: Eggshells can help neutralize acidic soil, improving the pH balance and making it more favorable for certain plants.

Eggshells are an easy, eco-friendly way to boost your garden’s health!

How to use eggshells:

After cracking an egg, wash the shells and set them aside to dry. Once dried, crush them into small pieces with your hands. These crushed eggshells can be incorporated directly into your garden soil. Simply distribute them in the soil where you plan to plant seeds, allowing their nutrients to benefit your plants.

You can also use egg cartons as seed starters, which is a great way to repurpose materials and reduce waste. The combination of eggshells and repurposed cartons creates an eco-friendly, zero-waste approach to gardening!