YES! When you add eggshells to your compost pile it can enrich your soil with calcium and other beneficial nutrients. Composting eggshells is great for your garden, It can improve soil and yield.
How to do it properly? and how to maximize their benefits for your plants?
TOP 10 PLANTS THAT BENEFIT THE MOST
BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING EGGSHELLS
- Calcium Boost: Eggshells are rich in calcium, which strengthens plant cell walls and helps prevent issues like blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
- Improved Soil Structure: Eggshells enhance soil aeration and drainage.
- Eco-Friendly Gardening: Keeps food waste out of landfills and supports a sustainable composting routine.
- Cost Savings: Provides a natural, free source of calcium instead of commercial fertilizers.
HOW TO COMPOST EGGSHELLS:
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Rinse & Dry: Clean eggshells thoroughly to remove any residue. Let them air dry completely or bake at 200°F for 25 minutes to speed up the process.
Crush or Grind: Break shells into small pieces using your hands, a rolling pin, or a food processor for faster decomposition.
Incorporate into Compost: Mix crushed eggshells into your compost pile, or bury them around calcium-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers.
Apply Directly: Ground eggshells can be sprinkled around plant bases for slow nutrient release and pest deterrence.
HOW LONG DO EGGSHELLS TAKE TO DECOMPOSE?
Ground into Powder: About 3 months for full decomposition.
Crushed into Small Pieces: Around 1 year.
Whole or Large Pieces: Up to 3 years.
BENEFITS OF EGGSHELLS FOR PLANTS
- Strengthens Plant Structure: Calcium promotes strong stems and healthy foliage.
- Prevents Blossom-End Rot: Essential for fruiting plants like tomatoes and peppers.
- Balances Soil pH: Can slightly raise soil pH if applied in large amounts.
DEMETRIUS EARTH VS. EGGSHELLS:
WHICH IS BETTER?
Both diatomaceous earth and eggshells provide benefits for soil health and pest control, but they serve different purposes:
Diatomaceous Earth:
Acts as a natural insect deterrent, cutting through the exoskeletons of soft-bodied pests like aphids and slugs.
Helps absorb moisture, reducing fungal growth in the soil.
Does not provide significant nutrients but improves soil texture.
Eggshells:
Provide a slow-release calcium source that strengthens plant cell walls.
Can deter slugs and snails when crushed and spread around plant bases.
Contribute to soil aeration and structure over time.
Which to Use?
If you’re battling pests like slugs, diatomaceous earth is a better option.
If your goal is enriching soil with calcium and improving plant health, eggshells are the way to go.
For best results, use both strategically—eggshells for long-term soil benefits and diatomaceous earth for pest control.
TOP 10 PLANTS THAT BENEFIT THE MOST FROM EGGSHELLS
Tomatoes – Prevents blossom-end rot and boosts calcium for stronger growth.
Peppers – Provides essential calcium for healthy fruit development.
Eggplants – Helps strengthen cell walls and prevent common diseases.
Cabbage – Improves structural integrity and leaf production.
Broccoli – Supports robust stems and heads.
Cauliflower – Encourages healthy growth and reduces the risk of disease.
Lettuce – Enhances leaf production and overall health.
Spinach – Provides needed calcium to support leafy greens.
Squash – Helps prevent blossom-end rot in zucchinis and pumpkins.
Strawberries – Strengthens plant structure and enhances fruit production.
FAQ
Can You Compost Whole Eggs?
Yes, but whole eggs attract pests. It’s better to compost just the shells.
Do Eggshells Carry Salmonella?
No, composting at high temperatures (above 140°F) kills harmful bacteria. For extra precaution, bake the shells before adding them to compost.
Do I Need to Sterilize Eggshells?
Not necessary, but if you prefer, bake them at 200°F for 20 minutes.
What Nutrients Do Eggshells Provide?
Primarily calcium carbonate, essential for strong plant cell walls and fruit development.
MORE EASY GARDENING TIPS
For natural pest management, check out A Guide To Organic Pest Management in the Garden. Also, read Cheap Ways to Add Nitrogen to the Soil for more soil-boosting strategies!
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Happy gardening! 🌱🐓
Take Care, Linnea