Every time we eat eggs, we normally keep only the whites and yolks for cooking and toss the shells into the trash. However, eggshells actually have several valuable uses that many people completely overlook.

In fact, eggshells are now being sold widely on the market for 15,000–35,000 VND per kilogram, depending on how thoroughly they’ve been processed. Eggshells that have been disinfected and ground into fine powder are priced higher than those simply crushed by hand.

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The Amazing Benefits of Eggshells

1. A Natural Fertilizer

Chicken eggshells are composed of up to 93.5% calcium carbonate, an essential mineral that supports healthy plant growth. They also contain protein and small amounts of other trace minerals such as strontium, fluoride, magnesium, and selenium. This makes eggshells an excellent organic fertilizer source for flowers, houseplants, and vegetables.

Using eggshells in your garden helps:

• Improve plant resistance to pests and diseases

• Support strong root and branch development

• Encourage greener foliage and fuller growth

• Promote bigger blooms and longer flowering periods

To use eggshells effectively as fertilizer, they should be ground into powder, which allows them to break down more easily in the soil.

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2. A Natural Repellent for Snails

For gardeners, snails—especially when plants are still young—can be a frustrating problem. If you’re worried about snail damage, eggshells can serve as a simple, safe, and natural deterrent.

Just crush the eggshells into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the soil, especially in areas where snails usually move. Because snails have soft bodies, they avoid sharp-textured surfaces. The rough, jagged edges of eggshells act as a barrier that snails refuse to cross, helping protect your vegetable beds without the use of chemicals.

This method is especially useful for organic gardens where chemical pesticides are not preferred.

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3. Useful for Home, Pets, and Crafts

Aside from gardening, eggshells can also be used in several other creative and practical ways:

• For human and pet health: When properly sterilized and ground into a very fine powder, eggshells can be used as a calcium supplement (though this should be done with caution and proper preparation).

• In arts and crafts: Whole or half eggshells can be used to create mosaics, decorative ornaments, or unique handmade crafts.

• As seed starters: Eggshell halves are great biodegradable containers for sprouting seeds. When the seedlings are ready, you can plant them directly into the soil—shell and all.

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How to Make Eggshell Powder for Fertilizing Plants

If you want to turn eggshells into fertilizer, here’s the proper method:

Step 1: Collect the Eggshells

Gather leftover shells until you have a workable amount.

Step 2: Clean and Dry Them

Rinse the eggshells thoroughly to remove any residue. Then either sun-dry them or roast them lightly in a pan or oven. This step helps sterilize the shells and eliminates harmful fungi or bacteria.

Step 3: Grind or Crush the Shells

Once the shells are dry:

• For fertilizer: grind them into a fine powder so they decompose quickly and release nutrients efficiently.

• For soil improvement: crush them into small pieces rather than powder. Larger pieces help keep the soil loose, improve aeration, and prevent rapid wash-off during watering.

Step 4: Apply to Plants

You can apply eggshell powder directly around the plant base or mix it with water at a 1:1 ratio to create a liquid fertilizer. Use this every two weeks for best results.

Step 5: Store the Remaining Powder

If you have leftover powder, store it in a clean container or zip-lock bag. Keep it in a cool, dry place to use gradually.

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Eggshells may seem worthless at first glance, but once you know how beneficial they are, you’ll think twice before throwing them away. From improving soil health to repelling pests and even serving as a crafting material, this simple kitchen waste can offer surprising value in everyday life.