Every time you cook with eggs, you likely throw away a truly valuable resource: the eggshell. These fragile casings are packed with benefits, not just for your own well-being, but for your garden too! Instead of sending them to the waste bin, let’s explore how you can turn them into a simple, helpful asset for your home.
💖 A Natural Boost for Your Body
The primary component of an eggshell is calcium carbonate, which is the exact form of calcium your bones and teeth need to stay strong.1 As we focus on maintaining mobility and vitality, ensuring we get enough calcium is crucial.
- Easy Calcium Supplement: After thoroughly cleaning and drying the shells (baking them lightly in the oven is a good way to sterilize them), you can grind them into a fine powder using a food processor or mortar and pestle.2 A very small amount of this powder can be mixed into smoothies, yogurt, or even oatmeal to provide a natural boost of calcium.3 Remember to consult with a professional before changing your supplement routine.
🪴 Gardening’s Best-Kept Secret
Eggshells are also a fantastic, natural fertilizer for your garden and houseplants.4 They break down slowly, releasing essential nutrients back into the soil.
- Soil Sweetener: The calcium in the shells helps to balance the pH of the soil, which is particularly beneficial for plants that love neutral or slightly alkaline conditions, like tomatoes, peppers, and roses.
- Pest Protection: Crushed eggshells have sharp edges that can deter soft-bodied pests, such as slugs and snails, from crossing over to nibble on your tender plants. Simply sprinkle the crushed pieces in a ring around vulnerable plants.
- Seed Starting Aid: Use half an eggshell as a tiny, biodegradable pot for starting seeds indoors. When the seedling is ready, you can plant the shell directly into the ground, where it will decompose and feed the young plant.
💡 Simple Preparation Steps
- Clean: Rinse the shells well under running water to remove any egg residue.
- Dry/Sterilize: Spread the shells on a baking sheet and bake them at a low temperature (about 250 F or 120 C) for about 10-15 minutes. This makes them brittle and eliminates any bacteria.
- Crush: Grind or crush the dried shells based on how you plan to use them—a fine powder for consumption, or larger, coarser pieces for the garden.
By saving your eggshells, you embrace a resourceful and green lifestyle, supporting both your health and your garden with a single, simple ingredient!
