The virtues of eggs on our body are well established. Rich in proteins, minerals (iron, zinc, selenium) and vitamins (A, D, E and B12), the egg is one of the most nutritious foods that exist. It is also one of the pillars of a healthy diet. But if its health capital has been amply proven, did you know that its shells are also very useful for plants?
In fact, very rich in calcium and nutrients, eggshells act as a natural fertilizer for plant growth. But not only. They are ideal for repelling certain pests such as slugs and other crawlers, preventing plant diseases and remaining very effective for composting. Plus, they’re biodegradable!
From now on, after breaking eggs to make an omelette, you will remember to save your shells and never throw them in the garbage again!
You still need to know all the secrets in order to use them wisely. Discover in this article all the little tips for taking care of your beautiful indoor and outdoor plants.
1 – Disinfestation
Are your plants often invaded by unwanted guests such as slugs and slugs? We have the solution for you ! Take an eggshell, crush it into small sharp pieces, and place the residue around the plant. Don’t bury them, just make a wreath around them. And there you have it, you have just installed a barrier against crawlers who will no longer dare to get close so as not to get injured.
2 – Soil without acidity
We know that plants need soil to grow healthily. But for optimal growth, the soil must always be favorable for them. The problem is that most soils are acidic, therefore not very beneficial for many plants that cannot tolerate this acidity. Once again, eggshells will save the day. In fact, they provide an important source of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus which balance the pH of the compost and fight the acidity of the soil.
To do this: Crush the husks into a powder and mix them with 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, eggshell is an excellent fertilizer for plants, shrubs and flowers. This natural fertilizer will provide your plants with all the nutrients they need for their growth. Did you know, for example, that shells are highly recommended for growing tomatoes? They are known to prevent “apical necrosis”, the most common disease affecting tomatoes in our gardens.
Here are some tips for keeping your plants healthy:
- Use the shells of 6 eggs and place them in a saucepan with 3 liters of water. Boil well. Then, once the water has cooled, you can use it on your plants.
- Another method, a little more complex, but much faster and more efficient. Crush 12 eggshells using a rolling pin or wooden spoon. Place them in a container with a lid and set them aside. For at least 40 days, sprinkle one or two tablespoons of this powder on the soil, at the base of your plants. Calcium will be released gradually each day. This remedy works great for your houseplants too.
4 – A natural vase
You can also use your eggshells as a natural pot for seedlings. This way you will always have a high source of calcium for this growth phase: the fundamental basis for your plants to grow very healthily 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 easy 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.
5 – Fight the flea beetle
As we said above, eggshell is an excellent repellent for all types of small animals. The flea beetle is one of them.
This tiny insect is so small that you probably won’t detect it. However, small holes are often noticed on the leaves. Yes, he is really responsible!
To avoid this problem, crush eggshells into a powder and add them to the soil.
You will definitely get rid of this insect!
As you may have understood, eggshells are a real mine of benefits in the world of gardening. And their use has become a real trend in recent years. Organic fertilizer, compostable waste, anti-crawl barrier, prevention against certain plant diseases… With all this, it’s no longer a question of getting rid of them!