Ditch the rubbish bin: How eggshells could be your garden’s secret weapon

If you’re like most of us, you probably crack your eggs, whip up your breakfast, and toss the shells straight into the bin without a second thought. 

But what if we told you those humble eggshells could be the secret ingredient to a lush, thriving garden, saving you money and giving your plants a real boost? 

It’s true! Eggshells are packed with nutrients and have many uses in the garden, making them a zero-cost, eco-friendly alternative to store-bought fertilisers.

Eggshells are more than just kitchen scraps—they’re a powerhouse of minerals. Each shell contains calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. 

These nutrients are essential for healthy plant growth, helping everything from tomatoes to citrus trees reach their full potential. Calcium, in particular, is vital for preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers, a common problem in Australian veggie patches.

How to prepare eggshells for the garden

Simon Akeroyd, a gardening enthusiast, recently shared his eggshell hack on social media, and it’s as easy as it is effective. Here’s how you can do it at home:

1. Collect and clean: Save your eggshells in a container. Give them a good rinse to remove any egg residue—this helps prevent mould and unwanted smells.

2. Dry thoroughly: Let the shells dry in the sun (easy for most of us Down Under, unless you’re in a rainy spell). If the weather isn’t cooperating, pop them in a low oven for a few minutes.

3. Crush and blitz: Once dry, crush the shells with a rolling pin, then blitz them in a blender or food processor until they’re a fine powder. The finer the better—this helps the nutrients break down faster in the soil.

4. Add to compost or soil: Mix the powdered shells into your compost or your garden beds. You can also sprinkle them into potting mix for container plants, especially those that love calcium, like citrus.

You might be tempted to throw eggshells straight into the compost, but as one savvy gardener pointed out, whole shells can take years to break down. 

Worms, the unsung composting heroes, have tiny mouths and struggle with big shell pieces. Blending the shells into a powder makes the nutrients more accessible, speeding up the process and giving your plants a quicker boost.

Eggshells aren’t just good for feeding your plants—they can help protect them, too. Crushed (but not powdered) eggshells scattered around the base of your plants create a sharp barrier that deters slugs and snails. 

These slimy pests hate crawling over the jagged edges, so your lettuces and strawberries will thank you.

Have you tried using eggshells in your garden? Do you have any other clever gardening hacks to share? We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and even your gardening mishaps—because let’s face it, we all have them! Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Also read: Stop throwing used tea bags: Gardeners swear by this genius trick