Eggs are delicious foods that we usually enjoy. But against the knowledge of many people, eggshells can become very useful in our garden. Eggshells have a lot of benefits, and it is worth collecting them. Below are how to use eggshell in your garden.
Eggshell as Fertilizers
Ground eggshells provide calcium to the plants when tilled to the soil. Although potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus are essential for plant growth, calcium is also necessary. Calcium is vital for building a healthy bone or the cell wall of the plant. Eggshells contain calcium carbonate that induces mineral to the soil. Fertilizers also reduce the acidity of the soil and aerate it. Just grind the eggshells using a mixer or a grinder and till them to the soil. It may take a little longer for the eggshells to break down and be absorbed by the roots. Therefore, I recommend toiling the soil in the fall so that more shells can be mixed to the soil in Spring.
Eggshells as Mulch
Similar to oysters, eggshells provide a striking accent to the garden. You can use the eggshells as a mulch. If you gather plenty of eggshells, you can apply a thick layer of mulch that will be enough to stop the weeds.
Eggshells as Seed Starters
Since eggshells are biodegradable, it is an excellent seed starter. So, reserve the deeper shell half and sterilize it by placing it to an over 200°F heat and leave it for 30 minutes. You can also utilize the cooling oven after you roast your chicken to avoid using excess energy. Use a nail or awl to make a hole at the bottom that will serve as drainage. Add the soil and the seeds based on the packaging. During the time that sprouts appear, then start planting them with the egg right to the soil.
Eggshells as compost
Adding eggshells to the material that you will make as compost provides essential nutrients to the plants. Calcium is the nutrient that eggshells contribute to the compost. With this, the plants will grow fast, and for some vegetables such as squash and tomatoes, their fruits will develop its blossom well. You can also reduce the risk of the disease.
Eggshells as Food
Unknown from many, birds also benefits from the eggshells the way people and plants do. Eggshells serve as food for the birds, especially the female birds that need calcium before and after laying eggs. So, to make the food, sterilize the shells and leave them to the oven that is cooling after baking a meal. Crush them to a bit and mix it to the seeds for the bird.
Eggshells as Pest Control
A crushed and coated eggshell in the garden prevents several pests from going to the garden. Whether the parasite is small or large, both are deterred by eggshells. Say, a deer dislikes the smell of the albumen, so it will surely go away. On the other hand, rodents love this smell, so it is not best to use a deterrent at home. Furthermore, plenty of gardeners use the crushed eggshells as a snail and slug repellent.
Check my other articles on how to improve your garden. Peat Moss & Sustainable Backyard farm.
