Don’t Toss Those Eggshells! Here’s How to Reuse Them
Most of us crack an egg, use what’s inside, and toss the shell without a second thought. But did you know eggshells are packed with calcium and minerals that make them incredibly useful around your home and garden? Instead of throwing them away, here are simple, smart, and sustainable ways to reuse eggshells—and reduce waste while you’re at it!
1. Fertilize Your Garden
Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, which helps strengthen plant cell walls and reduce soil acidity.
How to use:
- Rinse and dry the shells.
- Crush them into small pieces or grind them into powder.
- Mix into soil or sprinkle around the base of your plants.
Best for: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and roses.
2. Start Seedlings in Eggshell Cups
Eggshell halves make biodegradable seed starters that can go directly into the soil.
How to use:
- Carefully crack eggs in half and clean out the shells.
- Poke a small drainage hole at the bottom.
- Fill with potting soil and add seeds.
- Once sprouted, plant the whole shell into the ground.
3. Keep Pests Away Naturally
Crushed eggshells can deter soft-bodied pests like slugs, snails, and cutworms in the garden.
How to use:
- Scatter crushed eggshells around the base of plants.
- The sharp edges discourage crawling pests from crossing the barrier.
4. Enrich Your Compost Bin
Eggshells add valuable nutrients to your compost pile, especially calcium.
How to use:
- Rinse and crush shells before adding to compost.
- Mix with other organic matter to help balance your compost’s pH.
5. Clean Hard-to-Reach Items
Eggshells can act as a natural abrasive for scrubbing narrow containers like bottles or vases.
How to use:
- Drop crushed eggshells into the container.
- Add warm water and a bit of dish soap.
- Shake vigorously, then rinse.
Bonus Uses
- Calcium supplement for pets: Grind shells into a fine powder and mix a small amount into pet food (check with your vet first).
- Pan scrubber: Use crushed eggshells with soap to scrub stuck-on messes in pots and pans.
- Face mask exfoliant: Mix finely ground eggshell powder with honey or yogurt for a DIY exfoliating mask.
Conclusion
Eggshells are more than kitchen scraps—they’re a natural, eco-friendly resource just waiting to be put to good use. From gardening hacks to household cleaning tips, reusing eggshells is a smart way to reduce waste and give back to your home and environment.