Eggshells Aid the Soil...Even SFV Clay Soil!

Finding fresh egg sources, in the San Fernando Valley, was not an impossible task 20 years ago. Now such an opportunity is limited to a small group of back yard independent chicken farms selling their eggs on Facebook Marketplace.  The cost of a dozen eggs, at retailers, ranges from $4 all the way to $12; but an interesting means of offsetting the cost is by using (or selling) the shells to enrich the soil.  

• A pound of ground eggshells, approximately five dozen, may cost up to $20.
• Mid-range cost of $8 x 5(dozen) = $40 
• A pound of eggshells, therefore, reduces the cost of a dozen eggs to $4.00!!!

Benefits:

1. Aeration. 
2. Deter snails and slugs 
3. Deter Japanese beetles
4. Deter deer from grazing in the garden
5. Bird food !!
6. Adds Calcium to the soil/plants

There are some precautions to heed when using eggshells in the garden:

1. Salmonella can be transmitted to the garden soil, therefore cook the shells
2. It is suggested even the half eggshell can take up to 2 years to modify the soil, to decompose
3. While the calcium is beneficial; the other component of a shell is sodium which can be detrimental.  Test your soil or compost for excessive sodium, if you add eggshells to your soil or compostl

HOW TO PREPARE EGG SHELLS

1. Wash your shells 
2. OR boil your shells for 5 minutes and let sit overnight
   1. The residue water can be poured into the garden
3. Grind the dried shells to the desired texture in a coffee grinder or similar device
4. These smaller pieces are easier to decompose and be converted into the soil

Other uses for eggshells

• Facial treatment (add to egg whites to make a facemask - let dry and then rise with cold water)
• Cleaner - add powder/pulverized shells to dish soap
• Drain cleaner

Gardening Know How covers Eggshells in the Garden

Gardenista covers 5 Ways to Use Eggshells in the Garden

Garden Myths covers Eggshells: How Not to Use Them in the Garden

Composting – The Cut And Drop Method)

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https://www.gardenmyths.com/eggshells-do-they-decompose-in-the-garden

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