4 Ways to use Eggshell in gardening
Eggshells are considered to be a waste product but they can be immensely useful in the home garden. Since eggshells are the richest and the purest natural source of calcium carbonate, they offer various uses in the home garden. Here is a list of top four ways used eggshells can be useful in gardening and ideal for aiding growth and development of various plants and seedlings.
Eggshells are a great substitute for soil amendment: Eggshells are one of richest natural sources of calcium carbonate. The salt plays an intrinsic part in the development of many flowers and vegetables. From melons, grapes to citrus fruits and cherries, peanuts and potatoes all need a good source of calcium carbonate to bloom. The easiest way is to prepare a calcium carbonate powder by blending the dry eggs shells. The powder can be used as a soil nutrient and can be locally applied to plants while they are growing up. Calcium carbonate power can be mixed with water and used as a soaking substitute for pale tomatoes. Keeping them dipped in liquid containing water and calcium carbonate powder derived from eggshells can make the tomatoes look ripe and healthy the next morning.
Home Garden Manure: Calcium carbonate powder is as essential for the soil as it is for the various plants and trees planted in the garden. If you can manage to store a large number of eggshells over time by refrigerating them and then heating them in a microwave for a minute to bring them to room temperature when done. The eggshells can then be crushed in a blended and converted in a powder form. The powder which is a rich source of calcium carbonate can then be sprinkled all over the soil in the home garden as well as in the various pots as a substitute for manure.
Seed Pots: Eggshells can be used as seed pots offering a perfect place for small growing up ground for individual seedlings. Care needs to be taken however when cracking the eggs so that the eggshells offer sufficient space for the plant seedlings. One may also need a egg carton or egg tray for placement of these eggshells. Having a little soil in the eggshells provide good nutrients for the seedling to grow.
Pest Deterrents: Eggshells are a great way to substitute as pest deterrents. Eggshells can be chopped into small pieces and sprinkled in the home garden especially near the roots of the plants and seedlings. The rough and abrasive surface of the eggshells act as a deterrent for common pests to come neat the plant thereby acting as a beneficial tool for the plant. Eggshells are specially useful in avoiding cut shells and other common worms.
