Many people widely regard eggshells to be good for compost. But some people don’t like the idea of adding eggshells to compost due to concerns about salmonella bacteria coming from eggs and other potential problems. So, are eggshells good for compost?
Can You Add Eggshells to Your Compost Pile?
The short answer is yes. You can and should add eggshells to your compost. If you add eggshells to compost, you’ll be adding a good source of calcium and nutrients.
Plants need calcium to build up their cell walls and grow strong. Without enough calcium, fruits and vegetables can develop a disease called blossom end rot due to lack of proper nutrition. Using eggshells or other sources of calcium can help solve these struggles!
It’s not mandatory to crush eggshells for your compost, but you should do it for the best results. Crushing the eggshells will accelerate the breakdown process, and ultimately, you’ll get finished compost sooner.
If you’re looking to speed up the decomposition process, even more, try grinding your eggshells into a fine eggshell powder.
We do recommend that you wash eggshells before you start composting them. Doing this will help you avoid unwanted animals and pests, and you will also lower the risk of disease that some raw eggs can pose.
Eggshells are great for compost bins and worm bins because they help to regulate the pH of the soil by making it less acidic.
The combination of the pH balance, calcium, and nutrients will contribute to healthy plant growth. Plants thrive when given the right nutrients.
How Long Do Eggshells Take to Compost?
The process of composting eggshells can take anywhere from one to two months. Egg shells contain a lot of calcium carbonate, which prevents them from breaking down as quickly in the compost pile.
As we mentioned earlier, it makes a lot of sense to ensure that you crush the eggshells properly. The smaller the pieces are, the easier it will be for them to break down properly.
Keep this tip in mind whenever you want to compost anything. When it’s smaller, it becomes finished compost a lot faster.
Eggshells won’t dissolve in water, but they will decompose in your compost, especially if you break them down properly.
Can You Put Cooked Eggshells in Compost?
Yes, eggshells that have been boiled or cooked eggs can be used in compost. You can also compost egg shells from raw or uncooked eggs as well.
Whatever type of eggshells you plan to use, be sure to rinse them off before use.
How Do You Compost Eggshells?
First, start with rinsing your eggshells with water to remove any dirt or bacteria. After letting them dry for a few hours, put the shells in a plastic bag and begin crushing them into small pieces.
As an alternative, you can grind your eggshells in a coffee grinder. Remember, the smaller the pieces, the easier it will be to break down.
Next, places your crushed or finely ground eggshells into your compost bin. Don’t forget to place other compost ingredients on top of the eggshells to cover them.
Finally, keep your compost moist and in a warm place for at least six weeks before using it as fertilizer or spreading it onto plants.
Using Eggshells Directly in The Garden
It’s possible to skip composting eggshells and just add them straight to your garden soil. Any plants that are susceptible to blossom end rot can actually benefit from using eggshells directly in the soil, which is a great idea.
Similar to composting, if you are planning to use eggshells directly in the garden, you may want to crush them first. Otherwise, they may take a long time to decompose.
Using crushed eggshells in the garden will help increase calcium levels in your soil and plants. You can place the crushed eggshells directly on top of the soil.
Are Eggshells and Coffee Grounds Good for Plants?
Yes, eggshells and coffee grounds are both good for plants. Coffee is high in nitrogen, while eggshells add calcium and can help to neutralize acidic soil.
Eggshells make a great substitute for peat moss as they will break down over time and improve aeration in soils that contain heavy clay content.
To use eggshells or coffee grounds in your garden, bury them below the surface of your soil bed around bulbs or cuttings before planting so that they do not dry out too quickly.
You can also add it into potting soil at a rate of about five pounds per cubic yard to add an extra layer of protection against toxic substances leaching out into nearby water sources.
Conclusion
If you want to add some calcium to your compost bin or worm bin, it’s an excellent idea to add eggshell. Adding eggshell brings in more nutrients and, more specifically, calcium, which is extremely important for many plants.
All you have to do is break down the eggshells properly and ensure no damage or similar issues. Once you do that, you will be pleased with the results and experience.
Of course, you should always combine the shells with other food scraps and compostable organic materials in the composting process to maintain the proper ratio!
Your garden will thank you when you’re ready to plant some delicious vegetables or beautiful flowers. So, get started now!