UK households are being encouraged to put crushed eggshells in their gardens this January to prepare for spring. Gardening expert Ish, known on TikTok as gardening.with.ish, has highlighted several benefits of the practice, which can be carried out despite the cold weather.
According to Ish, eggshells act as a natural slug deterrent. The crisp, sharp edges are unappealing to slugs, preventing them from reaching plants. He advises scattering crushed shells directly onto the soil to create a barrier.
Eggshells also serve as a slow-release fertiliser. Packed with calcium, they promote root growth and nutrient transfer. Ish recommends crushing them into a fine powder using a bag or blender, then mixing with compost or placing at the base of plants. Watering them in helps them break down gradually.
Additionally, eggshells can improve compost heaps. Their natural calcium content aids decomposition, speeding up the process when broken down and added to the heap. This versatility makes them a valuable garden resource.
Other benefits include balancing soil pH, preventing blossom end rot in tomatoes and peppers, and providing minerals like phosphorus and magnesium. Whole eggs can be buried for slow nutrient release, but this may attract pests if not buried deeply.
