As January's chill settles across the UK, households are being urged to rethink their kitchen waste and embark on a simple, eco-friendly gardening task. Instead of tossing empty eggshells into the bin, a leading gardening guru insists they belong in your outdoor space, offering a surprising array of benefits for your winter garden.
The Winter Gardening Hack You Need
While many gardeners retreat indoors during the colder months, gardening expert Ish, known on TikTok as gardening.with.ish, has highlighted a crucial job that shouldn't wait for spring. In a recent video posted in January 2026, he detailed how this common household item can transform your plot.
"Today in the garden, we're going to be looking at the benefits of eggshells in your winter garden," Ish began. "So, let's crack on."
A Natural Barrier Against Pests
One of the primary uses Ish advocates is as a natural slug and snail deterrent. The sharp, crisp edges of crushed shells create an uncomfortable surface that these pests are reluctant to cross. "They will not go over it. They don't like it," he explained. Simply sprinkling the crushed shells around the base of vulnerable plants forms a protective barrier, helping to safeguard your precious greenery from hungry molluscs.
Creating a Homemade, Slow-Release Fertiliser
Beyond pest control, eggshells serve a vital nutritional purpose. Ish revealed they can be turned into a fantastic slow-releasing fertiliser, excellent for promoting root growth and nutrient transfer. "They are so high in things like calcium," he noted.
The preparation is straightforward: you can place shells in a grip-seal bag and crush them finely, or use a blender to create a powder. This can then be mixed into multi-purpose compost, placed at the base of plants, or even sprinkled on the soil surface and watered in. Their hard structure ensures they break down gradually, providing a gentle, sustained nutrient boost without being too aggressive for your plants.
Calcium is particularly beneficial for preventing common issues like blossom end rot in tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Additionally, crushed shells can help moderate soil acidity and contribute other valuable minerals like phosphorus and magnesium.
Further Uses in the Compost Heap and Beyond
Ish also pointed out their value in the compost heap, where their calcium content aids in faster decomposition. For an even more direct approach, whole eggs can be buried to decay slowly, though this must be done deeply to avoid attracting pests or causing odours.
Another clever application is using halved eggshells as biodegradable pots for starting seeds. Once the seedlings are ready, the entire shell can be planted directly into the soil, minimising root disturbance.
With these numerous advantages, from enriching soil to protecting plants, it's clear that saving your eggshells this January could give your garden a significant head start, preparing it for a vibrant and healthy spring.
