Eggshells are not just waste that you throw away after cracking the eggs. They are actually rich in calcium and other minerals that can benefit your health, your garden, and your home. Here are some of the ways you can make good use of eggshells:
1. Feed them to your chickens or birds
If you have backyard chickens or wild birds visiting your feeder, you can give them a calcium boost by adding crushed eggshells to their feed. Calcium is essential for egg-laying hens and for strong bones and feathers. Just make sure to wash and dry the eggshells before crushing them to avoid any bacteria or mold.
2. Add them to your coffee
If you like your coffee less bitter and more smooth, you can try adding some boiled eggshells to your coffee grounds before brewing. The eggshells will help neutralize some of the acidity and make your coffee taste better. You can also use the eggshell-coffee mixture as a natural fertilizer for your plants.
3. Use them as mulch or fertilizer
Eggshells can also be used as a natural mulch or fertilizer for your garden. They will help aerate the soil, improve water drainage, and release calcium and other minerals as they decompose. You can crush the eggshells finely and sprinkle them around your plants, or you can bury them whole under your tomatoes, peppers, or other crops that need extra calcium to prevent blossom end rot.
4. Start seedlings in them
Another way to use eggshells in your garden is to start seedlings in them. You can use half an eggshell as a biodegradable pot that you can plant directly into the ground when the seedling is ready. Just fill the shell with soil, place your seeds, and keep them moist until they sprout. To keep the eggshells in place, you can put them back in the egg carton.
5. Eat them
Yes, you can eat eggshells too! They are an excellent source of calcium and other minerals that can strengthen your bones and teeth. You can make an eggshell powder by baking the eggshells and then grinding them into a fine powder. You can then add the powder to any beverage or food to get your daily dose of calcium.
6. Use them as a natural scrub
Eggshells can also be used as a natural scrub for your pots, pans, sinks, or even your skin. They are abrasive enough to remove dirt and grease, but gentle enough to not scratch or damage the surface. You can mix crushed eggshells with some soap or vinegar to make a paste, or you can use them alone with some water.
7. Use them as a natural pest repellent
Eggshells can also help you get rid of unwanted pests in your garden or home. You can scatter some broken eggshells around your plants or along the edges of your garden to deter slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied pests that don’t like crawling over sharp shells. You can also sprinkle some eggshell powder around your doors, windows, or other entry points to keep ants, cockroaches, and other insects away.
These are just some of the ways you can make good use of eggshells instead of throwing them away. Eggshells are versatile, eco-friendly, and inexpensive materials that can benefit you in many ways.
