The benefits of eggs for our bodies are well-established. Rich in protein, minerals (iron, zinc, selenium), and vitamins (A, D, E, and B12), eggs are one of the most nutritious foods available. They’re also one of the cornerstones of a healthy diet. But while their health benefits are well-established, did you know that their shells are also very beneficial for plants?
Indeed, very rich in calcium and nutrients, eggshells act as a natural fertilizer for plant growth. But that’s not all. They’re ideal for repelling certain pests like slugs and other caterpillars, preventing plant diseases, and remaining very effective for composting. Plus, they’re biodegradable!
Now, after cracking eggs to make an omelet, you’ll remember to save your shells and never throw them in the trash again!
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But you still need to know all the secrets to use them wisely. Discover in this article all the little tips for caring for your beautiful indoor and outdoor plants.
1 – Disinfestation
Are your plants often invaded by unwanted guests like slugs and snails? We have a solution for you! Take an eggshell, crush it into small, sharp pieces, and place the residue around the plant. Don’t bury them; simply make a wreath around them. And there you have it, a barrier against robots that won’t dare approach so as not to get hurt.
plant eggshells
2 – Soil without acidity
We know that plants need soil to grow healthily. But for optimal growth, the soil must always be favorable to them. The problem is that most soils are acidic, making them of little benefit to many plants that cannot tolerate this acidity. Once again, eggshells will save the day. They provide an important source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which balance the pH of the compost and combat soil acidity.
To do this: Crush the shells into a powder and mix them into the soil surrounding your plants. When you water, they will release their properties and reduce the binding effect of acidity.
3 – An excellent fertilizer
As already mentioned, eggshells are an excellent fertilizer for plants, shrubs, and flowers. This natural fertilizer will provide your plants with all the nutrients they need for growth. Did you know, for example, that eggshells are highly recommended for growing tomatoes? They are known to prevent blossom end rot, the most common disease affecting tomatoes in our gardens.
Here are some tips to keep your plants healthy:
Use the shells of 6 eggs and place them in a saucepan with 3 liters of water. Bring to a boil. Then, once the water has cooled, you can use it on your plants.
Another method, a little more complex, but much faster and more effective. Crush 12 eggshells with a rolling pin or a wooden spoon. Place them in a covered container and set aside. For at least 40 days, sprinkle one or two tablespoons of this powder on the soil at the base of your plants. The calcium will be released gradually each day. This remedy also works very well for your houseplants.
eggshells
4 – A natural vase
You can also use your eggshells as a natural seedling pot. This way, you’ll always have a high source of calcium for this growth phase: the fundamental basis for your plants to grow very healthy and with the necessary nutrients.
So consider recycling your eggshells into very ingenious containers to germinate the seeds of your plants and flowers. It’s simple and very eco-friendly!
Boil your egg, and once cooked, remove only the top part of the shell, leaving the largest part whole.
Let them sit in the same container you bought the eggs in and fill them with fertile soil and seeds .
flea beetle plant
5 – Fight the flea beetle
As mentioned above, eggshells are an excellent repellent for all types of small animals, including flea beetles.
This little insect is so small that you probably won’t notice it. However, small holes are often noticed on the leaves. Yes, it really is responsible!
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To avoid this problem, crush eggshells into powder and add them to the soil.
You’ll definitely get rid of this insect!
As you can see, eggshells are a veritable treasure trove of benefits in the world of gardening. And their use has become a real trend in recent years. Organic fertilizer, compostable waste, anti-creeping barrier, prevention against certain plant diseases… With all this, there’s no question of getting rid of them!
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