Don’t Toss Those Eggshells! Here’s Why You Should Keep Them

If you enjoy eggs for breakfast and often find yourself with leftover eggshells, don’t toss them out! It turns out that eggshells are incredibly useful in ways you might not expect. Read on to discover the surprising benefits of keeping your eggshells and how they can make a big difference in your garden and home.

1. Natural Pest Deterrent

If you’ve ever struggled with slugs, snails, or worms ruining your plants, crushed eggshells could be the solution. Simply scatter crushed shells around your garden, and you’ll notice these pests staying away. It’s believed that the smell of eggshells repels them, offering a natural and eco-friendly way to protect your plants.

2. Repels Deer

Deer can be a big problem for gardeners, especially if you live near forested areas. Thankfully, eggshells work for deer too! Like other animals, they dislike the scent of eggshells. Sprinkling some around your garden can help keep deer from munching on your plants.

3. Bird Feed

While some animals avoid eggshells, birds find them quite tasty! Scatter crushed eggshells around your garden, and you might attract more feathered friends. Not only will they brighten your space with their songs and colors, but they’ll also help with pest control by eating insects.

4. Boost Your Soil’s Health

Instead of throwing your eggshells away, turn them into an eco-friendly fertilizer. They’re packed with calcium carbonate, which helps reduce soil acidity. This is especially beneficial for plants that thrive in less acidic soil, helping them absorb nutrients more effectively and grow stronger.

5. Keep Your Veggies Healthy

Eggshells can also prevent blossom end rot, a common issue with plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These plants often suffer from calcium deficiencies, but by adding crushed eggshells to the soil, you’re giving them the calcium they need to stay healthy, colorful, and full of flavor.

6. Raise pH for Potted Plants

For potted plants, eggshells can help raise the pH of the soil and make it more alkaline. Since potted plants have limited soil, this can be an easy way to adjust their environment. While it may not drastically alter the pH, it can certainly provide a helpful boost for certain types of plants.

7. Composting Made Easy

Eggshells are fantastic for composting! They take time to break down, but as they do, they release valuable minerals into the compost. To speed up the process, rinse off any leftover egg and crush the shells into smaller pieces. This will help your compost pile break down more efficiently, making for healthier soil in the long run.

Conclusion

The next time you use eggs, remember to save the shells! They’re an inexpensive, eco-friendly way to support your garden, keep pests at bay, and even improve the health of your plants. Whether it’s adding nutrients to the soil, attracting birds, or keeping deer away, eggshells are a natural and sustainable tool for any gardener.

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