Eggshells are not just shells; they have their own unique identity — like nature’s smart containers! Eggshells hold more than just the yummy yolk and egg white inside; these shells are made up of 95% calcium carbonate which is a food that is similar to what we make our bones and teeth out of. They help to build the strength of our bones and protect our tooth enamel. Their nutritional value is outstanding, but there are also many uncommon uses for eggshells for your garden, which may provide you with better soil and protection against pests. Whether you’re cutting down on waste for your garden and home or simply searching for eco-friendly alternatives, eggshells are an abundant source of creative ideas and other ideas such as alternatives that many people do not see.
But here’s the exciting part: you can actually eat eggs! You can eat the full egg, including the shell! Just like you can eat the peeled parts of the organic bananas or the lemon peels, you can also eat eggshells. Eggs are an excellent source of calcium. Just half a shell provides your daily recommendation of calcium! So should we really be throwing them out? We can find many uses for eggshells!
Don’t throw that shells away; there are plenty of interesting ways to make use of them in your home and garden. Let’s look at some practical and fun ways to use those eggshells:
Compost Raw Material: Eggshells are a new great addition to your compost. Lots of calcium, means it helps the composition of your compost. Don’t put those shells in the garbage, give them another life by using them as nutrient-rich compost.
Start Seeds Indoors: Say good-bye to plastic pots, eggshells make the perfect biodegradable starter pots for your seedlings. Fill them halfway, plant your seeds, take the eggshells and put them back in the egg carton (this keeps them from tipping over). When your seedlings are ready, you can transplant the whole thing in your garden. The eggshell will break down and add calcium to your soil.
Garden mulch: Once you’ve cleared your breakfast plate, crush the eggshells and toss them in your garden. They will decompose and improve water flow, aerate the soil, and in the process, release calcium.
Improve your tomatoes: Place eggshells under your tomatoes to get them calcium. This will help prevent a condition called blossom-end rot. Bonus! Other plants like cabbage and broccoli will absorb the calcium from the eggshells as well.
Deter pests in the garden: Slugs and snails have a soft spot for raiding your leafy greens, do something about it! Scatter roughly crushed eggshells around the base of your plants. Slugs and snails dislike the sharp edges and will leave your greens alone.
Feed your chickens: If you have chickens, don’t throw away the eggshells! Simply crush them up, bake until brittle, and feed them to your chickens! They require calcium for egg health; and the eggshells provide a viable source for that. It is also a great method to curb them from pecking their own eggs.
Clean stubborn pots: If those pesky pots get dirty and need cleaning, the crushed eggshells work great. Add some soap and some hot water and scrub away! The eggshell is abrasive and can help remove dirt and clean your pots.
Get rid of campfire coffee grounds: If making coffee over a fire, tossing some crushed up eggshells will prevent the coffee grounds from boiling over. And eggshells work well with coffee because they lower the acidity of the coffee. If you need less bitterness, use eggshells.
Broths supercharged: When making broths and stocks (bone and vegetable), drop some eggshells in there! Eggshells do not come with just calcium (but that is a major plus)! Eggshells contain numerous minerals, including, magnesium, fluoride, strontium, chloride, iron, magnesium, and selenium. You are filling your stocks and broths with added nutrients!
Food for wild birds: Just like chickens, birds will also benefit from eggshells. Bake the eggshells and crush into tiny pieces. Sprinkle onto their feed or on the ground. It’s a treat for our feathered friends.
Bleach whites: Need to make your whites whiter without chlorine bleach? Take some eggshells with couple slices of lemon, put in a bag, & throw in the washing machine. Eggs have a big ecological price tag, so it can be worth trying to clean your whites naturally and inexpensively.
So why are we eating eggshells? Most importantly, eggshells provide calcium that is bio-available for our bodies. Additionally, eggshells can aid in bone density, remineralizing of teeth, and relieve joint pain and inflammation.
In order to eat the most healthy, we should consume eggshells from organic or free-range egg layers. Eggs from factory chicken farms may be less nutritious and may harbor unwanted pathogens. Purchase local eggs from local farmers or farmer’s markets if you can obtain farm-fresh eggs!
Now you see how versatile and workhorse eggshells can be. Don’t let them go to waste. Use them in your garden, kitchen, and home. If you are searching for more creative ways to use eggshells at home, there are many more uses than I covered here. Happy eggshell usage!
