Wait—hang eggshells in the garden? Yep, you read that right. While most folks crush and sprinkle them into the soil (which does have its benefits), there’s an old-school trick savvy gardeners swear by: hanging a mesh bag of eggshells right in the garden.
Sounds strange? Maybe. But the results speak for themselves. So before you chuck those shells in the compost, let’s crack into the reasons you should hang them up instead. Trust me, your plants (and wallet) will thank you.
First Off, Why Eggshells Matter in the Garden
Before we get into the hanging part, here’s a quick look at what makes eggshells garden gold:
- Rich in calcium carbonate – About 95% of an eggshell is calcium, which plants need to build strong cell walls.
- Trace minerals galore – They’ve got magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and even a touch of sodium.
- Biodegradable and free – You’re literally recycling kitchen waste into plant power. Win-win.
Now, instead of grinding them up or tossing them in the compost, here’s what happens when you hang those shells.
Why Hang Eggshells in a Mesh Bag? Here’s What Happens
1. It Keeps Critters Away (Without Chemicals)
Deer, rabbits, and squirrels are curious—and hungry. But here’s the kicker: animals tend to stay away from strong human smells. When you rinse your eggshells lightly (don’t scrub them clean), they still hold faint traces of protein and human scent.
Hang them in a mesh bag, and that subtle scent floats on the breeze. To animals, it’s a sign that a human might be nearby. Boom—natural deterrent.
Pro Tip: Add a few strands of human hair to the bag for extra “stay away” power. Sounds gross, works like a charm.
2. It Helps Control Tomato Blossom End Rot
Got tomatoes? Then you’ve probably battled blossom end rot at some point—that frustrating black patch that ruins the bottom of your fruit. It’s usually caused by a lack of calcium.
Hanging eggshells won’t solve the problem overnight, but rain will slowly leach calcium from the shells down into the soil. Think of it like a time-release supplement. Over time, your tomatoes soak up the calcium they crave.
3. It Attracts Beneficial Birds
Songbirds are always on the hunt for extra calcium, especially during nesting season. Crushed eggshells in a mesh bag give them just that. It’s like a snack bar for your feathered friends—and they’ll thank you by sticking around and eating garden pests like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles.
4. It Stops Slugs in Their Slimy Tracks
Slugs and snails are the bane of leafy greens and hostas. While sprinkling crushed eggshells on the ground can help, hanging a mesh bag nearby creates a dry environment that makes these pests think twice. The airflow and calcium dust act like natural repellents.
5. It’s a Slow, Natural Fertilizer
As the eggshells break down (thanks to rain, dew, and time), they slowly release calcium and minerals into the soil below. You’re literally feeding your plants from the top down—all without lifting a finger.
No chemicals. No store-bought fertilizer. Just nature doing its thing.
How to Make Your Own Hanging Eggshell Bag
Alright, now that you’re sold on the benefits, here’s how to whip one up in under five minutes.
You’ll Need:
- A mesh bag (onion or produce bags work great)
- Empty eggshells (about a dozen)
- A bit of twine or garden wire
- Optional: a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or hair clippings
Directions:
- Save your eggshells – Give them a quick rinse and let them air dry. No need to scrub.
- Crush lightly – Not into powder. Just break them into halves or quarters.
- Fill your mesh bag – Add the shells and optional extras.
- Hang it up – Tie the bag to a garden stake, trellis, or low-hanging branch near your plants.
Boom. Done. Your garden just got a free upgrade.
Where Should You Hang the Bag?
Place the bag where it can sway in the breeze and get some rain. Good spots include:
- Near tomatoes or peppers (for the calcium boost)
- Around the edge of veggie beds (to deter animals)
- Close to compost bins or bird feeders (to attract helpful critters)
- In shady, slug-prone spots
And don’t worry—if the bag starts looking gunky or full of insects, swap it out. Toss the old one in the compost and repeat the process.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Toss, Hang It Up!
Who knew a pile of eggshells could do so much? From warding off pests to feeding your plants and attracting birds, this simple trick brings multiple benefits—and all it takes is a mesh bag and some leftovers.
So next time you’re about to toss those shells? Don’t. Give them a second life swinging in the garden breeze.
Nature loves a good repurpose. And honestly? So does your garden.
