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As sure as eggs
In the Gardening world there are a lot of mysteries and good tips, best practices and “proven techniques” that are the biggest urban myths on the planet. Using egg shells is one of the top contenders for the mis-use of science prizeRobert Pavlis (Blogger from North America) nicely summed up the various hopeful claims around this calcium/sulphur/magnesium/potash/sodium/organic matter – containing material.
Of course, all these minerals and nutrients are very useful for plants, when they break down. Problem is: it takes a long, long time to break down an egg shell!! People that throw egg shells into compost heaps know that. The only way they work is by grinding them into a fine powder. How about using it as a mulch (looks nice – light, reflective colour), to suppress weeds and keep moisture in the soil?  
Yep – no doubt would work well, but just calculate a layer of mulch, say 2 to 3 inches thick: how many tons of egg shells will you need? And… do you live near an egg-processing plant?
Egg shells as as organic pest prevention/control? Crushed egg shells become an almost white powder that may look like diatomaceous earth (But isn’t)
Some folk believe it has the same properties as diatomaceous earth and would assist in killing beetles, caterpillars, larvae etc. The crushed egg shells are totally harmless to these creatures.
Here’s a trial I did with a snail crossing a new Stanley blade.
Blossom End Rot? Just add egg shells under the tomato plant to prevent it?
Blossom End Rot in tomatoes is said to be caused by calcium deficiency – yes and no: more precisely it’s a problem of the plant not moving the calcium to the developing tomato fruit; often caused by irregular watering. Adding egg shells is not going to remedy that!
Best thing to do with egg shells? Crush them and feed them to the birds: they can use the calcium to create their own egg when they are ready to reproduce
Some gardeners still believe that crushed eggshells are too sharp and hard for the soft feet of slugs and snails, thus providing an effective barrier for these molluscs around your lettuces etc.
Molluscs never have direct contact with the substrate they glide on: they glide on their slime!
As sure as eggs In the Gardening world there are a lot of mysteries and good tips, best practices and “proven techniques” that are the biggest urban myths on the planet. Using egg shells is one of the top contenders for the mis-use of science prizeRobert Pavlis (Blogger from North America) nicely summed up the various hopeful claims around this calcium/sulphur/magnesium/potash/sodium/organic matter – containing material. Of course, all these minerals and nutrients are very useful for plants, when they break down. Problem is: it takes a long, long time to break down an egg shell!! People that throw egg shells into compost heaps know that. The only way they work is by grinding them into a fine powder. How about using it as a mulch (looks nice – light, reflective colour), to suppress weeds and keep moisture in the soil?   Yep – no doubt would work well, but just calculate a layer of mulch, say 2 to 3 inches thick: how many tons of egg shells will you need? And… do you live near an egg-processing plant? Egg shells as as organic pest prevention/control? Crushed egg shells become an almost white powder that may look like diatomaceous earth (But isn’t) Some folk believe it has the same properties as diatomaceous earth and would assist in killing beetles, caterpillars, larvae etc. The crushed egg shells are totally harmless to these creatures. Here’s a trial I did with a snail crossing a new Stanley blade. Blossom End Rot? Just add egg shells under the tomato plant to prevent it? Blossom End Rot in tomatoes is said to be caused by calcium deficiency – yes and no: more precisely it’s a problem of the plant not moving the calcium to the developing tomato fruit; often caused by irregular watering. Adding egg shells is not going to remedy that! Best thing to do with egg shells? Crush them and feed them to the birds: they can use the calcium to create their own egg when they are ready to reproduce Some gardeners still believe that crushed eggshells are too sharp and hard for the soft feet of slugs and snails, thus providing an effective barrier for these molluscs around your lettuces etc. Molluscs never have direct contact with the substrate they glide on: they glide on their slime! read more read less

4 years ago