Are you discarding your eggshells? Stop! Whether you raise chickens or have a green thumb, these seemingly disposable remnants can be repurposed to enhance your efforts. Allow me to explain. According to the National Institute of Health, chicken eggshells boast approximately 380 mg of calcium per gram, a crucial element for strong eggshell formation. By recycling your eggshells as a supplement, you actively contribute to your hens' ability to produce eggs with strong shells.
If you're not tending to chickens but nurturing a garden, saving your eggshells is equally rewarding. Here's why incorporating eggshells into your gardening routine is a smart move:
Calcium Enrichment: Just like returning shells to your feathery companions, infusing your garden soil with eggshells provides a valuable calcium boost.
pH Regulation: Including shells in your soil helps regulate pH levels, shifting towards a more alkaline environment. Be sure to research your plants' preferences for alkaline or acidic soil.
Root Rot Prevention: When planting your seeds, adding crushed eggshells can act as a deterrent against root rot.
Pest Repellent: For those combating slugs and snails, crushed eggshells scattered on the soil's surface serve as an effective deterrent. The abrasive texture is akin to crawling on glass for these pests, providing an organic way to protect your precious vegetable plants.
Now that you're aware of the benefits, let's delve into the preparation process. I personally keep a quart container in my refrigerator to collect spent eggshells. Each morning, after cracking an egg, I rinse and crush the shell into the container. In the case of hardboiled eggs, the shells go directly into the container without an additional rinse.
Once the container is full, I transfer the shells to a baking sheet lined with foil and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. This not only eliminates any bacteria but also makes the shells brittle, facilitating easier crushing. Rather than crushing manually, I opt for efficiency by employing my trusty food processor. A quick one-minute blend results in a texture resembling paint chips, which I then incorporate into chicken feed or store in a jar for the garden. Efficient, effective, and environmentally friendly!
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