If you’re like many people, you likely throw eggshells away without giving them any thought.

However, these simple shells have surprising uses that can completely change how you care for your home and garden. Here’s why you should start saving every eggshell you crack.

1) An All-Natural Pest Barrier

Are slugs, snails, and worms destroying your garden beds? Crushed eggshells offer a natural and environmentally friendly solution. When scattered around your plants, the rough, jagged edges form a protective barrier that pests avoid. Their sharp texture irritates the bodies of soft-bodied invaders, helping keep your plants safe—without using any chemicals.

2) Helps Keep Deer Away

If you live near wooded areas, deer might be frequent and unwelcome visitors to your garden. Eggshells can deter them as well. Deer are turned off by the smell and feel of eggshells. By distributing crushed shells around your plants, you can discourage deer from munching on your flowers and crops.

3) Attracts Helpful Birds

While eggshells repel garden pests, they can actually attract birds that are beneficial to your outdoor space. Birds are drawn to eggshells as a source of minerals, and when they visit your garden, they help control insects naturally. Their presence adds beauty and natural pest management at the same time.

4) Enhances Soil Quality

Eggshells make an excellent natural fertilizer. Packed with calcium carbonate, they lower soil acidity and increase alkalinity. This creates a healthier growing environment for plants that prefer less acidic conditions, enabling them to absorb nutrients more effectively. Simply crush the shells and mix them into the soil or dissolve them into water to make a nourishing plant solution.

5) Prevents Blossom End Rot

Tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are vulnerable to blossom end rot, which is often caused by a lack of calcium. Adding eggshells to your soil helps supply this essential mineral, reducing the risk of this condition and promoting better fruit development.

6) Balances pH in Potted Plants

Potted plants sometimes require soil that is more alkaline. Eggshells can help raise the pH level in container soil. Gather and crush the shells, mix them into your potting mixture, and allow your plants to benefit from an improved growing environment.

7) Boosts Compost Effectiveness

Eggshells are a valuable addition to your compost. They release calcium and other minerals slowly as they decompose. To make the process quicker, rinse the shells thoroughly and crush them into smaller pieces before adding them to your compost bin. This ensures they break down more efficiently and enrich your compost over time.

Make the Most of Every Egg

The next time you cook with eggs, don’t discard the shells. Whether you’re aiming to repel pests, nourish your plants, or enhance your compost, eggshells offer numerous benefits that support a healthier garden and a more sustainable home. Start saving those shells and watch how this simple change can elevate your gardening practices!