Egg shells are chock full of calcium, and so they are the perfect product to use on your garden plants. While most people toss their egg shells away, savvy gardeners know that they are their best friend and use them in a variety of ways. Take a look below at 5 ways to use egg shells in your garden that are both frugal and simple. You will never look at egg shells the same way again.
5 Ways to Use Egg Shells in Your Garden
1. Use egg shells as free seed starters.
You can start your seeds in egg shells, which will provide them a nutrient rich place to grow and thrive. Simple take half of an egg shells, poke a small hole at the bottom, and fill it with soil. Add your seed or seedling and water as usual. You can then place the entire egg shell into the ground when the plant is stable for transplanting. More tips for starting seeds in egg shells.
2. Give your compost some “egg shell punch”.
You can make a special punch for your compost to sip on that is full of calcium! In a blender, mix your egg shells, a little water, and about 1 ½ cups of vinegar. Pour the punch into your compost pile to give it a boost.
3. Make your own nutrient rich fertilizer.
Plants, especially roses, love the nutrients that egg shells provide. Save your egg shells and when you have a handful of them, crush them into a fine powder. You can place them in a plastic baggie to do this easily and with little mess. Add the leftover coffee grounds from your morning brew and mix the two ingredients together well. Then, simply sprinkle the powder at the base of your plants and water as usual.
4. Keep bugs at bay.
Bugs such as slugs and snails hate egg shells. They won’t want to climb over the sharp edges and will steer clear of any area that has shells in it. Take your roughly broken shell pieces and make a barrier with them around your delicate plants. They will act as a barrier keeping your plants safe.
5. Stir some into your soil.
Give your plants a healthy start by adding crushed egg shells to your potting soil and potted plants. The shells will continue to break down and feed your plants for weeks. It is just like adding a slow release fertilizer to the soil.
So don’t toss any more egg shells. Instead, follow these tips for using them in your garden instead.
More Frugal Gardening Tips
- Frugal Gardening Tips: How to Start a Garden on a Budget
- How to Save Money at Greenhouses and Gardening Centers
- How to Save Money by Growing Perennials
- How to Garden for {Nearly} Free
- 5 Ways to Use Coffee Grounds in the Garden
When you use the eggshell for starting seeds and then place the shell in the ground, do all the roots grow through the drainage hole in the bottom or do you need to break up the shell before transplanting?
I give mine a quick crack before planting them, but the roots will grow through the drainage holes.