Each time you crack an egg open, instead of tossing the shell into the trash, drop it into an open container that you keep in the fridge. I’ve always saved my shells.  I keep a container on the counter next to the stove.

As an alternate way of drying the eggshells, is to put them in the refrigerator and the cold air helps to dry them out. 

Even when the winter weather keeps you inside, you can collect egg shells for use in the springtime.

Eggshells can add calcium to the soil. Calcium is especially appreciated by tomato plants. To get a calcium boost from the eggshells, you’ll want to run them through a blender until they’re very, very fine. Add a small scoop of finely ground eggshells directly to individual planting holes when you’re planting your garden.

Can eggshells go in compost? Absolutely! Adding eggshells to your compost (this is the easiest composting method ever) will boost its mineral content. If you put egg shells in the compost nearly intact — in halves, say — they will retain their shape for a surprising amount of time, but don’t hesitate to use the compost in your garden if the shells are still intact. 

Eggshells that are crushed before being added will disperse in the compost relatively quickly and be less identifiable.

To make your own seed starting pots from eggshells, fill each half with good potting soil and set them in an egg carton. Plant seeds in these DIY ‘pots’ and care for them as you would any other seed.

When the seedlings are big enough to go out in the garden, simply give the shell a little squeeze. This cracks the eggshell and allows the seedlings to send roots out through the eggshells and into the garden more easily.

While you can place eggshells directly under your tomatoes as you transplant them, sometimes a volunteer tomato plant from last season pops up and you wish to save it. Think of it as a survivor, and give it some extra love and attention.

The addition of calcium to your tomato plants will help prevent blossom-end rot (not a disease, but a physiological disorder created by a calcium imbalance).

Sprinkle these crushed shells around the base of your plants. The sharp eggshells are said to deter slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied bugs from nibbling on your garden.  To crush the shells into small bits, roughly 1/8″ in size, just put a lid on the container and roll it around or you can use a rolling pin.

Does this actually work? 

Well, I know people who swear by this method and others who say it doesn’t work. I’ve found the method to be a bit hit or miss, but if you’ve got eggshells aplenty and more slugs than you want to deal with, it’s worth giving it a shot.

Happy gardening.

Rose-Marie Finch
Aquisitions Specialist