What to Do with Eggshells: Feed Your Garden

Eggshells soaking in water.

Life has gotten in the way of blogging lately. I have new admiration for those who manage to post something daily, even weekly.

Life is not allowed to get in the way of eating, however. I just haven't had time to eat anything blogworthy.

What I have been eating: Eggs. I've been eating baked, over easy and sunny-side-up eggs for breakfast about four times a week.

And they have been delicious. For the most part, I buy them organic from a jovial and friendly farmer named Jeff and his wife, Jo. I can taste the difference.

I can't bear to waste eggshells, however, so I follow Grandma Annie's practice of soaking the eggshells in water that I can use to keep my indoor plants moist and give them a dose of calcium. After a few days, the water begins to smell a bit eggy, if you know what I mean. And you do.


There are mixed opinions on whether this practice is worth doing, or not, but I like doing something my grandmother did. It's not going to hurt your houseplants.

Ground eggshells ready for the compost bin.

I also hoard eggshells to grind and add to my compost heap. I used a small electric chopper/grinder for grinding; a coffee grinder would do the job, too. Powdered eggshells disperse calcium more readily to the compost. You can spread them directly on or in your garden, too.

Here's an interesting discussion on making water-soluble calcium from eggshells. I haven't tried it. But I might. I use vinegar for so many things in my kitchen and throughout the house; why not try it outdoors?

Grandma Annie had a use for everything in her kitchen. Now that I finally have some spare time, I am enjoying finding new ways to do the same.

Here are some additional uses for eggshells. I'm going to try the eggshell and vinegar solution on mosquito bites.

Here's yet another batch of ideas. Drain cleaner? Who knew?