Gardening involves transforming waste into valuable resources, such as using kitchen food waste to create homemade compost. Beyond utilizing vegetable peels and scraps, did you know that eggshells can serve as a natural fertilizer?
Eggs are renowned for their rich protein content, with one egg containing 6-7 grams of high-quality protein. Rather than discarding eggshells, you can crush them and employ them as natural fertilizer for plants. Here are several benefits:
- **Defense Against Pests:** For plants susceptible to slugs and bugs, like marigolds, tomatoes, and other flowering plants, crushed eggshells act as a protective barrier.
- **Pet Barrier:** A layer of crushed eggshells serves as a deterrent for pets, creating a barrier around plants.
- **Calcium Source:** Eggshells provide a rich source of calcium for plants, promoting their health and growth.
- **Preventing Root Rot:** Placing crushed eggshells at the base before planting new flowering or herb plants helps prevent root rot by facilitating decomposition.
- **Seed Germination:** Use crushed eggshells as pots for seedlings. Once the seeds germinate, transplant the shell directly into the soil. As the eggshell decomposes, it enriches the soil, strengthening the plant’s roots. This method is particularly effective for planting herbs and succulents, serving both as a functional and decorative element in your garden.
