Eggs are a staple in most households, and while we enjoy their delicious contents, we often overlook the potential of their discarded shells. Eggshells are more than just waste; they are versatile and can be incredibly useful in various ways, both in the home and garden. In this article, we’ll explore 15 brilliant uses for eggshells that can help you save money, reduce waste, and improve your home and garden in surprising ways.
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Natural Fertilizer
Eggshells are a fantastic source of calcium, which is essential for plant growth. Crushed eggshells can be sprinkled around your garden to provide a slow-release calcium boost to your plants. This natural fertilizer is particularly beneficial for tomatoes, peppers, and other calcium-hungry vegetables.
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Pest Deterrent
Crushed eggshells can act as a natural pest deterrent. Scatter them around your garden to deter slugs, snails, and other soft-bodied pests. The sharp edges of the crushed shells create a barrier that these creatures find difficult to cross.
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Seed Starters
Eggshells can be used as biodegradable seed starters. Fill half an eggshell with potting soil, plant your seeds, and when they’re ready to transplant, you can directly place the shell into the soil. The shell will naturally decompose, providing extra nutrients to your seedlings.
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Compost Enhancer
Adding crushed eggshells to your compost pile can improve its overall quality. The calcium in the shells helps balance the pH level and can speed up the decomposition process. It’s a sustainable way to return nutrients to your garden.
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Coffee Cleaner
Eggshells can be used to clean coffee pots and decanters. Crushed shells can be combined with a bit of water to create an abrasive scrubbing mixture that helps remove stubborn coffee stains and residue.
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Homemade Calcium Supplement
Eggshells can be washed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. This powder can then be added to your diet as a calcium supplement. It’s a natural and cost-effective way to boost your calcium intake.
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Sharpen Your Blender Blades
If your blender blades have become dull, you can sharpen them with eggshells. Simply blend a few crushed eggshells with water until they turn into a fine abrasive paste. This will help sharpen the blades and improve their efficiency.
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Odor Neutralizer
Eggshells are great at absorbing odors. Place a few crushed eggshells in a container and put it in your refrigerator or pantry to help absorb unwanted smells. It’s a natural alternative to chemical deodorizers.
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Homemade Chalk
If you have kids, you can turn eggshells into homemade chalk. Mix crushed eggshells with water and a bit of flour to create a paste. Mold it into chalk sticks and let them dry. Now, your kids can have fun with eco-friendly chalk.
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Slug Repellent for Plants
If you have potted plants, you can deter slugs from climbing into the pots by placing a ring of crushed eggshells around the base. This will create a barrier that slugs are reluctant to cross.
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Cleaning Agent
Eggshells can be used as a gentle abrasive for cleaning purposes. They can help remove stubborn stains from pots, pans, and even glassware. Just crush them into a fine powder and use as a scrubbing agent.
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Bird Feeders
Eggshells can be used to make bird feeders. Fill a halved eggshell with birdseed and place it on a tree branch or in your garden. It’s a biodegradable and natural way to attract feathered friends to your yard.
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Calcium Supplement for Pets
If you have pets, particularly birds or reptiles, you can crush eggshells and add them to their food as a calcium supplement. This helps maintain their bone health and overall well-being.
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Garden Mulch
Crushed eggshells can also be used as garden mulch. Spread them around the base of your plants to help retain moisture, deter pests, and provide nutrients to the soil as they break down.
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Seedling Protection
When planting young seedlings in your garden, place crushed eggshells around them to create a barrier against crawling insects. This protects your delicate plants as they establish themselves.
Conclusion
Eggshells are a prime example of how everyday items can have multiple uses beyond their intended purpose. From fertilizing your garden to cleaning your coffee pot, eggshells are versatile and eco-friendly. By incorporating these brilliant uses for eggshells into your daily life, you not only reduce waste but also save money and create a healthier, more sustainable home and garden environment. So, the next time you crack an egg for breakfast, don’t forget to save those shells for one of these creative and resourceful purposes.
Read also: How to grow a kiwi tree in a pot