Before you toss those cracked eggshells in the bin, you might want to reconsider. Eggshells are more than just kitchen waste — they’re a surprisingly useful and natural resource that can benefit both your garden and your morning cup of coffee. From enriching your soil to enhancing your brew, eggshells prove that even the most humble things in the kitchen can serve more than one purpose.
Eggshells are made primarily of calcium carbonate — the same compound that strengthens bones and supports healthy plant growth. When crushed and added to soil, eggshells act as a slow-release fertilizer, gradually delivering calcium and trace minerals like magnesium and phosphorus to plants.
This added calcium is especially beneficial for vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, which are prone to blossom-end rot — a common issue caused by calcium deficiency. By working crushed eggshells into the soil around these plants, you can help prevent this problem and support stronger cell walls in your crops.
But that’s not all — eggshells can also help deter garden pests like slugs and snails. Their sharp, jagged edges irritate soft-bodied insects, creating a natural barrier around delicate plants without the need for chemical pesticides.
How to Use Eggshells in the Garden
- Rinse and dry your used eggshells.
- Crush them finely by hand or using a mortar and pestle.
- Sprinkle the powder into your compost, mix it into potting soil, or spread it around the base of plants.
Yes, you read that right — eggshells can improve your coffee too! Adding crushed eggshells to your coffee grounds before brewing can reduce the drink’s acidity and bitterness. This is especially useful if you prefer a smoother, milder cup or if you’re brewing over a campfire or using a percolator.
The alkaline calcium carbonate in the eggshells helps neutralize some of the acids found naturally in coffee beans. The result? A gentler brew on your taste buds — and your stomach.
How to Use Eggshells in Coffee
- Use clean, dried shells (one egg’s worth is enough for a standard pot).
- Crush them gently and mix into the coffee grounds.
- Brew as normal using your preferred method.
Eggshells might seem like simple waste, but they’re packed with hidden value. Whether you’re feeding your plants or improving your morning cup of joe, using eggshells is a natural, eco-friendly way to reduce waste and make the most of what you have. So next time you crack an egg, think twice before tossing the shell — it’s more useful than you think.