Just about everyone who has ever cooked at home has, at one point or another, thrown away eggshells. They seem like such a waste, and it’s hard not to feel guilty about tossing them in the trash. But did you know that those eggshells can actually be put to good use in your potted plants? That’s right – eggshells can be a valuable asset to your gardening efforts!
Here are eight ways to use eggshells in your potted plants:
1. Add them to your compost
We all know that compost is great for our gardens. It helps to improve the quality of the soil, and it’s a great way to recycle kitchen waste. But did you know that eggshells are a great addition to your compost heap?
Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Simply crush up your eggshells and add them to your compost bin. You’ll be amazed at how much healthier your plants will look.
And there’s more good news – eggshells help to keep slugs and snails away from your plants. So if you’re looking for a natural way to protect your plants, eggshells are the way to go.
2. Use them as a mulch
Spread a layer of crushed eggshells around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Not only do eggshells help your plants by keeping the moisture in and the weeds out, but they also provide valuable nutrients as they break down. Eggshells are a great source of calcium, which is essential for strong plant growth.
3. Make an eggshell tea
Not only do they make a great organic fertilizer, but they can also be used to make a nutrient-rich tea for your plants. To make eggshell tea, simply steep some crushed eggshells in boiling water for 10 minutes, then allow them to cool before watering your plants with it. Eggshells are rich in calcium, which is essential for plant growth, so this tea is a great way to give your plants a little extra boost.
4. Feed them to your plants
It’s no secret that plants need nutrients to grow. Just like us, they need a balanced diet to stay healthy and strong. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, our plants can become sick or stunted. When this happens, it can be frustrating and disheartening.
One way to help your ailing plants is to feed them crushed eggshells. To use eggshells as plant food, simply crush them into a fine powder and sprinkle them around the base of the plant. You can also add them to the soil when you’re planting new seeds or seedlings.
If your plants are already established, you can mix the eggshell powder into their potting soil. Eggshells are not only good for your plants, but they’re also good for the environment, too. Unlike many commercial fertilizers, they’re completely natural and will eventually break down and add vital nutrients to the soil.
5. Make eggshell pots
When it comes to recycling, we usually think of sorting our cans and bottles or taking our clothes to the local thrift store. But did you know that you can recycle eggshells?
That’s right, those eggshells that you usually just toss in the trash can be used to start seedlings. Eggshells make great pots for seedlings because they are a perfect size and they have a nice, smooth surface. Plus, they’re free!
Here’s how to make eggshell pots for your seedlings:
1. Rinse out your eggshells and let them dry.
2. Fill each eggshell with potting mix.
3. Plant your seedlings in the eggshells.
4. Water your seedlings as needed.
5. When your seedlings are ready to transplant, carefully crack open the eggshell and plant the seedling in a larger pot or in your garden.
6. Use them as a pest deterrent
I love finding new ways to use eggshells in the garden! They’re a great way to add some extra nutrients to your soil, and they can also be used to deter pests from your plants. Sprinkle crushed eggshells around the base of your plants to keep slugs and snails at bay. The sharp edges of the eggshells will deter them from getting too close to your plants, and they’ll soon move on to find an easier meal elsewhere.
If you have a problem with aphids, you can also use eggshells to deter them. Just put a few crushed eggshells in a cup of water and let it sit for a few days. Then, strain the eggshells out of the water and use it as a spray. The eggshells will deter the aphids from feeding on your plants, and the water will help to keep them hydrated.
7. Eggshells can be used as a top dressing for potted plants
If you have a green thumb, chances are you know that eggshells can be used as a top dressing for potted plants.
To use eggshells as a top dressing, simply crush them into a fine powder and sprinkle them over the soil. For best results, apply them before watering. Eggshells will gradually break down over time, providing your plants with a steady supply of nutrients.
If you don’t have any eggshells on hand, you can also use crushed limestone or oyster shells. Both of these materials are rich in calcium and will help to promote healthy plant growth.
8. Eggshells can be used to make a homemade plant fertilizer
If you’re looking for a way to fertilize your plants without using chemicals, eggshells may be the answer. Eggshells are a natural source of calcium, which is an essential nutrient for plants. When you grind up eggshells and add them to your soil, they can help to provide your plants with the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy.
There are a few different ways to use eggshells as a fertilizer. You can either add them to your compost pile or you can mix them into the soil around your plants. If you’re adding them to your compost, you’ll want to make sure that they’re completely dry before you add them. Otherwise, they may attract pests or start to rot.
To use eggshells as a fertilizer, start by crushing them into small pieces. You can do this by putting them in a bag and hitting them with a hammer, or you can use a food processor. Once they’re crushed, mix them into the soil around your plants. You can also add them to your compost pile, but be sure to mix them in well, so they don’t attract pests.
They’re rich in calcium, which is essential for plant growth, and they’re easy to use. Just be sure to add them to your soil or compost carefully, so they don’t attract pests or start to rot.
Conclusion
So there you have it, eight ways to use eggshells in your potted plants. Eggshells are a great way to add nutrients to your soil and deter pests. So next time you have some eggshells, don’t throw them away; put them to good use in your garden.