Is It Good to Put Eggshells in Plants?

Eggshells are often considered as waste and are thrown away without much thought. However, they can actually be beneficial for plants due to their calcium content. In this article, we'll explore whether or not it's good to put eggshells in plants.

The Benefits of Eggshells for Plants

Eggshells are made up of calcium carbonate, which is an essential nutrient for plants. Calcium helps to strengthen the cell walls of plants, ensuring they grow strong and healthy. By adding eggshells to soil, you can improve the nutrient balance and pH level, which allows plants to absorb more nutrients from the soil.

Eggshells also function as a natural fertilizer as they break down, releasing nitrogen and other essential minerals back into the soil for plants to use. This means that using eggshells as a natural fertilizer can save you money while promoting healthier plant growth.

How to Use Eggshells in Plants

If you're interested in adding eggshells to your plants, the first thing you need to do is clean and prepare them. To prepare the eggshells, rinse them in water and remove any remaining egg or membrane from the inside. Let the shells dry and then crush them into small pieces using a mortar and pestle or a blender.

You can then add the crushed eggshells directly to the soil around the base of the plant or mix them into the soil before planting. Be sure to spread the eggshells evenly and avoid applying too many in one area, as this can lead to calcium overdose, which can be harmful to plants.

Other Ways to Use Eggshells in Gardening

Eggshells can also be used in composting to promote healthy soil. The high calcium content in eggshells helps to neutralize acidic soil, making it more alkaline and favorable for plant growth. Simply crush the eggshells and add them to your compost bin or mix them in with your existing compost pile.

You can also use eggshells as a natural pest repellent. The jagged edges of crushed eggshells can be an effective deterrent for slugs, which can harm plants. Simply sprinkle the eggshells around the base of your plants or create a perimeter around your garden area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is good to put eggshells in plants as they provide a number of benefits, including improving nutrient balance, promoting healthy soil, and acting as a natural fertilizer. By properly preparing and using eggshells, you can help your plants grow stronger and healthier without using harmful chemicals or spending a lot of money on commercial fertilizers.