Gardeners looking to boost their lavender plants this spring may find the answer in a common kitchen scrap: eggshells. Rich in calcium, eggshells can improve soil drainage and reduce acidity, creating ideal conditions for lavender, which thrives in neutral to slightly alkaline soil.
Gardening enthusiast Jean, founder of Green Jeane, discovered the benefits accidentally. She had used an unsuitable sand mix in her lavender soil but noticed the plants thrived because she had added crushed eggshells. 'I'm amazed at how much bigger and healthier the lavender looks,' she said.
To use eggshells, rinse them thoroughly after cooking to remove yolk and membrane, then dry them for a day or two. Bake at 200°C for 10-15 minutes, then crush into fine fragments with a rolling pin. This speeds up breakdown in the soil, allowing lavender to absorb nutrients more easily.
Apply one to two tablespoons of crushed eggshells per plant in spring and again in summer. The sharp fragments also deter pests like slugs and snails. However, avoid over-fertilising, as excess nutrients can damage roots.
Jean noted that collecting enough eggshells requires patience, but the results are worth it. This natural method not only enriches the soil but also helps ensure vibrant blooms throughout the growing season.
