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11 Ingenious Uses for Eggshells for the Home and Garden

Most of us toss eggshells straight into the trash or compost bin without a second thought. But did you know that these humble kitchen scraps are surprisingly versatile? Packed with calcium and other minerals, eggshells can be a powerful, all-natural resource for both your home and garden. From pest control to household cleaning, here are 11 ingenious ways to reuse eggshells—and reduce waste while you’re at it.

1. Natural Fertilizer

Eggshells are rich in calcium carbonate, a nutrient essential for healthy plant growth. Crush them into small pieces and sprinkle them directly into the soil or mix them into compost to boost calcium levels. They’re especially helpful for tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which are prone to calcium deficiency.

2. Pest Deterrent in the Garden

Crushed eggshells work as a physical barrier against soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails. The sharp edges irritate their bodies and keep them from munching on your plants. Scatter a ring of shells around vulnerable seedlings to protect them naturally.

3. Seed Starters

Use eggshell halves as biodegradable seed starters. Just rinse them out, poke a drainage hole in the bottom, fill them with soil, and plant your seeds. When the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, plant the entire shell—no waste and extra nutrients included!

4. Compost Booster

If you’re composting, eggshells are a fantastic addition. They help balance the pH level of your compost pile and add essential minerals. Crush them first to speed up decomposition and mix them well with other compost materials.

5. Calcium Supplement for Chickens and Birds

Crushed, sterilized eggshells can be fed back to chickens or mixed into birdseed to provide an extra source of calcium. Just make sure to bake the shells first (at 250°F for 10 minutes) to kill bacteria and prevent chickens from developing a taste for raw eggs.

6. Eco-Friendly Household Scrub

Ground eggshells make a mildly abrasive scrub perfect for cleaning pots, pans, and even hard-to-clean vases. Mix crushed shells with a little dish soap or baking soda to make a powerful, non-toxic cleaning paste.

7. Drain Cleaner

To prevent clogs, drop a few crushed eggshells into the kitchen sink strainer. They help trap food particles and, as they break down, can even scrub the inside of pipes gently.

8. Face Mask or Exfoliant

Believe it or not, eggshell powder can be used in skincare. Grind clean, dry shells into a fine powder and mix with egg white or honey to create a DIY exfoliating face mask. It’s gentle, mineral-rich, and all-natural.

9. Repel Deer and Cats

Sprinkling crushed eggshells around your garden can help deter curious cats and deer. The texture underfoot is unpleasant for them, discouraging them from entering your planting areas.