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How to Use Egg Shells in the Garden and in Compost

jdds08 | Sep 1, 2009 | Views: 167 |

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Egg shells definitely have a place in the garden and compost heap. Egg shells provide calcium. The calcium is crucial to plant cell development. Egg shells also help deter pests. Here are some easy steps to recycling your egg shells.

Things You Will Need

Egg shells

Plastic Bag

Rolling pin

Compost

Step 1 Wash and dry egg shells. Place egg shells in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin to crush them. Egg shells can break down slowly so the smaller the better.
Step 2 Mix crushed egg shells into soil around tomatoes, zuchinni, squash and peppers to prevent blossom end rot and promote overall health of plant. The calcium from egg shells encourages cell growth and plants deplete calcium levels in soil quickly while growing.
Step 3 Sprinkle around plants and throughout garden to deter slugs, snails and cutworm. They will not crawl over egg shells because the sharp edges will injure them and lead to death. Mix with coffee grounds for the same effect.
Step 4 Add egg shells to compost bin or compost heap to add calcium.
Step 5 After making hard boiled eggs, let the water cool off and water plants with it. Calcium from the egg shells will be present in the water.
Step 6 Use egg shell halves as seed pots.The calcium will leech into the soil and give seedlings a great start. Prop the egg shell seed pots up in an old egg container. To transplant, simply crack the bottom of the egg shell, crumble the egg shell sides and plant.

Tags: egg shells in garden; egg shells in compost; egg shell uses; recycle egg shells; organic gardening;