Don’t Throw Them Away Anymore: How to Use Eggshells for Your Health and Your Plants
DIY Trick:
- Peel out the membrane and apply it directly to minor cuts or pimples.
- Let it dry and remove after 30 minutes—this creates a natural healing patch.
2. How to Use Eggshells in Your Garden
Eggshells are a natural fertilizer, pest repellent, and even seed-starter!
A. Fertilizer for Your Soil
Eggshells slowly release calcium and other minerals, enriching the soil and preventing blossom-end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
How to use:
- Crush shells into small pieces.
- Mix into the planting hole or topsoil around plants.
- B. Compost Booster
Eggshells add minerals and texture to compost, aiding in aeration and breakdown of organic material.
Tip: Crush shells before adding to compost to accelerate decomposition.
C. Pest Control
Slugs, snails, and cutworms hate crawling over sharp edges.
How to use:
- Sprinkle crushed shells around plant bases as a natural barrier.
D. Seed Starters
You can even plant seeds directly in halved eggshells!
How to do it:
- Crack eggs near the top, rinse the shells.
- Poke a drainage hole.
- Fill with soil and seeds.
- Once the seedlings grow, plant the whole shell into the garden—the shell will biodegrade and feed the plant.
STUDY TIP: According to the University of Florida IFAS Extension, using eggshells as soil amendments increases calcium levels and supports healthy root development.
Bonus Ideas: Other Creative Uses for Eggshells
- Natural abrasive cleaner: Mix crushed eggshells with vinegar and soap to scrub pans or sinks.
- Face scrub: Blend powder with honey or aloe vera gel.
- Bird feed supplement: Sterilize, crush, and mix into birdseed for calcium-rich feeding.
Safety Tips
- Always wash and boil eggshells before using them for consumption or topical use to remove salmonella or bacteria.
- Do not exceed daily calcium limits—adults should aim for 1,000–1,200 mg per day from all sources.
Conclusion
Next time you crack an egg, think twice before tossing that shell. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your bones, nourish your garden, or protect your plants, eggshells offer a natural, sustainable, and powerful alternative to commercial products. It’s time to turn trash into treasure—one eggshell at a time.
