Gardeners are being urged to scatter crushed eggshells around their plants as September rainfall brings a surge in slugs and snails that can devastate flowerbeds.
After a dry summer left many plants struggling, the recent wet weather has provided much-needed moisture for lawns and borders. However, the damp conditions also create ideal breeding grounds for slugs and snails, which are expected to emerge in large numbers after months of drought.
These pests are ravenous and can quickly destroy plants that are only just recovering from the hot, dry conditions. Gardeners are being advised to act promptly to protect their cherished flowers.
Eggshells as a natural deterrent
Sara McFall, a gardener and founder of My Merry Messy Life, has shared a simple, chemical-free method to keep these pests at bay. She explained: "All of those plants are delicious snacks for little snails and slugs and they will eat them to death if we let them. Since we are also passionate about not using chemicals in the yard, we had to get creative to get rid of those slimy thieves. The solution? Eggshells!"
The sharp, jagged edges of crushed eggshells are uncomfortable for slugs and snails to traverse, as their bodies are delicate and coated in mucus. The shells can also dehydrate the pests, making it difficult for them to move around.
Eggshells create a protective barrier that slugs and snails are reluctant to cross, making them one of the simplest ways to safeguard a garden while using waste that most households discard.
How to apply eggshells
To use this method, collect eggshells in a jar and rinse them thoroughly under running water before storage. Proper washing is essential to avoid attracting flies and other unwanted insects to the garden.
After rinsing, dry the shells completely, either by leaving them in the sun or placing them in the oven for a few minutes. Once dry, place them in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Scatter the crushed shells beneath plants and around flowerbeds that need protection. Because eggshells decompose and enrich the soil as they break down, they also provide plants with vital nutrients to help them endure the chilly autumn conditions.
Eggshells can deteriorate quickly in damp weather, so it is advisable to replenish them weekly. Sara McFall advised: "Add more shells every week. We've found that to be the most effective - when we skip a week, they come back."
