I've stopped tossing our eggshells into the trash bin and started using them for plant fertilizer and pest control in the garden. Eggshells, which are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, provide essential nutrients to plants, promoting stronger growth and healthier foliage when crushed and added to the soil. The sharp edges of crushed eggshells can also serve as a natural deterrent to slugs and snails, keeping these pests at bay without the need for harmful chemicals. In addition to their benefits in the garden, eggshells have many other practical uses beyond gardening. For instance, they can be employed in the cleaning process; the gritty texture of crushed eggshells makes them an effective abrasive for scrubbing pots and pans, helping to remove stubborn stains and residue.
Furthermore, eggshells can be a valuable addition to homemade cleaning products, where they can enhance the scrubbing power of natural cleaners. Additionally, their rich mineral content can be harnessed for medicinal purposes, as they are known to help in promoting bone health when ground into a fine powder and consumed in moderation. This powder can also be incorporated into smoothies or other foods, offering a natural source of calcium.
Moreover, in the realm of cosmetics, powdered eggshells can be used as an exfoliating agent in homemade face scrubs or masks, providing a gentle way to remove dead skin cells and rejuvenate the skin. Overall, the versatility of eggshells extends far beyond their initial purpose, making them a valuable resource in various everyday applications.
How To Clean Eggshells
It's crucial to ensure your eggshells are clean and bacteria-free before reusing them. To sterilize the eggshells, rinse them thoroughly inside and out, removing any residue or membrane from the interior. Then, bake the shells at 250°F on a cookie sheet for about 20 minutes.
I usually rinse my eggshells as I use them and store them in a bag in the refrigerator. Once I have around a dozen, I sterilize them. If you're using shells from hard-boiled eggs, you can use them immediately without any cleaning.
1. Seed Starters
Since they are biodegradable, eggshells serve as excellent, waste-free seed starters. For this purpose, keep some of the deeper shell halves. Once the eggshells are cleaned and dried, use a sharp needle to poke a hole in the bottom of each shell for water drainage. Place an eggshell in each carton section. Fill each almost to the top with soil. Plant seeds into the soil according to the seed-sowing instructions. Mist the soil with a spray bottle and keep the carton in full sunlight. Water regularly and watch for sprouts. When it's time to transplant to a pot or garden, you can do so directly.
2. Deter Garden Pests
Scatter eggshells around your garden to repel soft-bodied creatures like slugs and snails. They dislike crawling over sharp eggshell fragments.
3. Wild Bird Treat
Offer them to birds. Eggshells are rich in calcium and beneficial for birds during the egg-laying season in spring—just ensure they are sterilized first.
4. House Plant Booster:
Keep eggshells submerged in water in a mason jar. Use this water for your calcium-loving plants. Your plants will thrive magnificently.
5. Calcium Powder
Eggshells are often used as a calcium supplement for humans and pets. Just half an eggshell can provide enough calcium to meet an adult's average daily needs. Click here for instructions on making eggshell calcium powder.
6. Hummingbird Feeder Cleaner
All that sugar water can make hummingbird feeders quite dirty. Ground eggshells serve as an excellent, non-toxic abrasive for cleaning those hard-to-clean feeders. Combine them with a bit of soapy water for an effective cleaning solution.
Check out these sites for more ideas and uses for your eggshells.
So stop tossing your spent eggshells in the trash—put them to work as supplements, pest control, art and more.
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