My introduction to recycling happened in my grandmother's garden. Granddad was a big-city veterinarian who, years ahead of the modern homesteading movement, decided to buy a farm and leave urban life behind, turning to the treatment of cows and horses rather than cats and dogs. Reluctant at first to leave her familiar environment, Grandma eventually adapted. In fact she thrived in the country, raising border collies and cultivating her own organic vegetables.

During a summer visit to the farm as a curious five-year-old, I loved to follow Grandma as she tended her garden. When I asked why she was sprinkling “smushed” eggshell around the base of her tomatoes, she explained that it helped the plants to grow. Wow! I was amazed by the notion that food – in this case, the fledgling tomatoes – also needed to be fed.

A lot of summers have passed since that July day and the benefit of using eggshells as garden fertilizer is now widely known. In fact, gardeners and green homemakers have discovered many more ways to repurpose this humble item. Here are a few eggshell uses that would make Grandma smile.

Garden

Whether mixed with your compost pile or deposited directly into the planting hole, crushed eggshells will nourish your fast-growing vegetables with calcium. Addition of this mineral helps prevent blossom-end rot in tomato plants and brown spots in both tomatoes and peppers.

As a farmer wannabe limited by the fact that I live in a fair-sized city, I riff on Grandma’s time-tested idea with my houseplants, mixing coarsely broken eggshell into the potting soil. These larger bits break down more slowly and provide drainage as well as nutrients.

To give garden plants a head start while the weather is still wintry outdoors, sow seeds in eggshell halves with a little earth. The seedlings that sprout may be transplanted directly into your garden, “container” and all.     

Chunks of eggshell spread in the garden are also an effective slug and cat repellent … due not to any chemical properties but rather to their sharp edges! (Obviously the pieces will need to be replaced as they wear down.)

Household

In the kitchen, eggshell crumbs work to clarify liquids ranging from coffee to soup stock to homemade wine. Whenever you use eggshells for a food-related purpose, it is best to wash them and/or heat in the oven for a few minutes first in case of salmonella bacteria. (No need to waste electricity or gas. Put a pan full of eggshells in the oven together with your baking.)       

Placing chunks of eggshell in your sink strainer will help catch food particles and prevent them from clogging your plumbing. In fact, some folks recommend pouring crushed eggshells directly down the drain to clear your pipes. Bad idea, say savvy plumbers; eggshell in your sink drain – or garbage disposal – can do a lot more harm than good.

One of the many highly touted eggshell uses, as an all-natural scrub for gunky pots and pans, sounds good in theory but has a high potential mess factor (especially in my “mess magnet” household). Make sure you strain out the leftover bits and pieces before draining the dirty water.

Another eggshell app is a laundry whitener. Thrown in with your wash, the shells will brighten dingy formerly-whites. Put shell pieces into a closed, tightly woven fabric bag to avoid damage to your washing machine.

Health

Eggshells, particularly organic ones, are a good, cheap source of calcium for humans, chickens and dogs. Bake to sterilize and grind into powder. (Check with your vet before giving a puppy calcium supplements. Canines under 9 months can’t excrete excess calcium, which may be very dangerous to normal bone development.) As “people food,” the shells can be soaked in lemon juice or vinegar for enhanced absorption; strain and use the liquid in salad dressing.

Don’t throw out the sludge left from your straining! Smooth it on your skin as a fantastic all-natural facial or hand softener.

The liquid that results from macerating eggshells in apple cider vinegar may be used to treat itchiness and other minor skin irritations.

Currently, the delicate membrane found just inside the eggshell is being researched for its role in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, osteoporosis and similar disorders.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

Updated October 31, 2018.