As the UK gears up for the summer months, gardeners are being urged to hold off on throwing eggshells into the compost bin. According to experts, this common kitchen waste can work wonders on lawns, turning a sorry-looking patch into a lush, verdant paradise.
Dan McCarthy, from sustainable firewood firm Garden Olive Firewood, explains that eggshells make an excellent fertiliser. They balance soil pH, enrich it with calcium, release nutrients, and improve soil structure. Additionally, they can help ward off certain pests.
To use eggshells effectively, McCarthy recommends grinding them into a fine powder. 'The finer the eggshells are crushed, the faster they will decompose and release nutrients into the soil,' he says. The powder can be mixed directly into soil or compost.
For those who prefer a liquid approach, eggshells can be steeped in water for a few days to create a nutrient-rich 'compost tea'. This can be poured onto lawns or around plants. Alternatively, crushed eggshells can be placed in planting holes or at the bottom of pots for a slow-release calcium boost.
This eco-friendly hack is not only beneficial for lawns but also for border plants and potted flowers. With summer just around the corner, it's a simple way to give your garden a natural boost without resorting to chemical fertilisers.
