Most people don’t think twice about discarding eggshells once they’ve used the eggs. But by throwing them away, you might be tossing out a powerful natural resource. Try soaking them in hot water once — and you’ll likely never go back.

A Simple Habit with Big Benefits

Whether you’re frying eggs or boiling them, don’t be so quick to throw away the shells. With a little care, they can become a helpful addition to your garden.

While it’s not common knowledge, eggshells have real value for plant care. They make an excellent natural fertilizer and are particularly rich in nutrients that help plants thrive.

Why Eggshells Are Great for Plants

When dried and crushed, eggshells can be mixed into the soil or spread around the base of your plants like mulch. This simple step provides an important nutrient: calcium, which is key for developing strong roots and supporting overall plant growth.

In fact, eggshells are made up of about 93% calcium and 1% nitrogen — both of which are essential elements for healthy soil.

Balancing Soil pH Naturally

Another benefit is their ability to regulate soil pH. However, moderation is important. Using too many eggshells at once may shift the pH toward being too alkaline, which isn’t ideal for every plant type.

Before using them, make sure to wash the eggshells thoroughly and allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. This helps prevent the risk of bacteria or fungi forming.

How to Prepare Eggshells for the Garden

Once dry, place the shells in a bag and crush them into small bits. These can then be sprinkled into flower pots, garden beds, or directly in the soil around your plants — ideally close to the base.

Doing this gives your plants a natural boost of energy. The calcium carbonate in the shells — the same kind of calcium that helps strengthen human bones — also strengthens plant cells and roots.

You can also mix crushed eggshells into compost or any homemade soil blend to enrich the overall nutrient content.

A Boiled Bonus: Eggshell Tea for Plants

Another popular method among gardeners is boiling broken eggshells and using the water for irrigation. This process helps strip away any remaining fats or proteins, making the shells easier to grind.

Boiling also sterilizes the shells by killing off bacteria or fungal spores that could harm plants later on.

The minerals, especially calcium, dissolve into the hot water, turning it into a nourishing liquid that supports plant development when used for watering.

A Natural Fertilizer Right from Your Kitchen

Whether crushed directly into the soil, blended into compost, or steeped in water for nutrient-rich plant tea, eggshells are a powerful and easy way to feed your plants.

Next time you crack an egg, think twice before tossing the shell — your garden will thank you.