Here’s why you want to hang a mesh bag of eggshells in your garden

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Here’s Why You Want to Hang a Mesh Bag of Eggshells in Your Garden

If you’ve been tossing your eggshells in the trash or compost, it’s time to rethink their value—especially if you’re a gardener. One of the simplest, cheapest gardening hacks involves something you probably already have in your kitchen: eggshells. More specifically, hanging a mesh bag of eggshells in your garden can offer surprising benefits for your plants and soil health. Here’s why this odd-sounding trick is gaining traction among green thumbs.

1. Natural Pest Deterrent

Crushed eggshells are sharp and jagged—qualities that make them a natural deterrent against soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails. When you hang a mesh bag of crushed eggshells in your garden, you’re essentially creating a ready-to-use supply that you can sprinkle around the base of plants. The rough texture deters pests from crossing over, protecting vulnerable seedlings and leafy greens without resorting to chemical pesticides.

2. Slow-Release Calcium Source

Eggshells are made up of nearly 95% calcium carbonate, an essential nutrient for plant development. Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, in particular, can suffer from blossom-end rot due to calcium deficiency. By keeping a mesh bag of eggshells nearby, you can easily crush and work them into the soil as needed, providing a slow-release form of calcium that enriches the soil over time.

3. pH Balancing Benefits

In slightly acidic soils, eggshells can help raise the pH, making conditions more favorable for a wide variety of garden plants. While they act more slowly than lime, their natural composition makes them a gentle option for long-term soil improvement. Having a bag on hand makes it easy to crush and apply when needed.