Boil eggshells in a saucepan – it’s smart and saves a lot of money

Repurposing eggshells from your kitchen is a brilliant way to save money and benefit your garden. A simple and effective method is boiling them in a saucepan to create a natural fertilizer and pest deterrent. This process makes it easier for your plants to absorb the valuable nutrients that eggshells contain.

The Benefits of Using Eggshells in Your Garden

Eggshells are a fantastic, natural resource for any gardener. Here’s why they are so beneficial:

• A Natural Source of Calcium: Eggshells are packed with calcium, a vital nutrient for plants. It helps build strong cell walls and is known to prevent a common problem called blossom end rot in plants like tomatoes and peppers.
• Effective Pest Control: The sharp, crushed pieces of eggshells can create a barrier that is uncomfortable for soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails, keeping them away from your plants.
• Balancing Soil pH: Adding eggshells to your soil can also help to neutralize overly acidic soil, creating a healthier environment for many plants to thrive.

How to Prepare and Use Boiled Eggshells

This process is straightforward and only requires a few basic items you likely already have.

What You’ll Need:

• Empty eggshells
• A saucepan
• Water
• A strainer
• A container for the liquid

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Clean Your Eggshells: Start by collecting your used eggshells and rinsing them well to remove any leftover egg white or yolk.
2. Boil the Shells: Place the clean eggshells in a saucepan and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This step is key because it not only sterilizes the shells but also pulls the important calcium and other nutrients into the water.
3. Cool and Separate: After boiling, let the water and shells cool completely. Then, use a strainer to separate the liquid from the shells, pouring the nutrient-rich water into a container.
4. Prepare the Shells: Once the shells are dry, you can crush them into small pieces or grind them into a fine powder. A mortar and pestle or even a coffee grinder works well for this.

Using Your Boiled Eggshell Products

Now that you’ve prepared your eggshells, you have two powerful tools for your garden.

• The Eggshell Water: You can use the cooled eggshell water to water your plants directly. This offers a quick and gentle calcium boost.
• The Crushed Eggshells: The crushed or powdered shells can be mixed into the soil around your plants. This helps to slowly release calcium over time, improving the soil’s structure. You can also sprinkle the crushed shells around the base of plants to create a physical barrier against slugs and snails.

Bonus Tips:

• Be Consistent: For the best results, regularly add the boiled eggshell water or crushed shells to your garden to help maintain a healthy level of calcium in the soil.
• Add to Compost: Adding eggshells to your compost pile is another excellent way to boost the nutrient content of your compost.
• Don’t Forget Houseplants: Boiled eggshell water can also be used for your indoor plants, giving them a welcome nutrient boost.

Using this simple method to recycle eggshells is a fantastic way to create a natural, cost-effective fertilizer and pest deterrent for your garden. It’s an easy way to promote healthier plants and save money on expensive store-bought products.