Slugs: the slimy little visitors that strike fear into the hearts of even the most seasoned gardeners. One minute your plants are thriving – the next, their leaves are full of holes and your seedlings have vanished overnight. If you’re looking for a safe, eco-friendly way to keep slugs at bay, our garden expert Alexa has a simple tip that really works – eggshells.
Yes, really. Those leftover bits from breakfast could be your garden’s new best friend.
Why Are Slugs Such a Problem?
Slugs are nocturnal feeders that thrive in damp conditions, making spring and early summer their peak season. They’re especially fond of young plants, soft leaves, and tender stems. If you’ve spotted irregular holes in your hostas, lettuces or delphiniums, it’s likely slugs are to blame.
And once they’ve found their way into your garden, they don’t tend to leave quietly…
Why Eggshells Work
Crushed eggshells act as a natural barrier. Their sharp, jagged edges are uncomfortable for soft-bodied slugs to crawl over, so placing a ring of shells around your plants can help to keep them out.
It’s a win-win: you’re repurposing something you’d usually throw away, and your plants get a bit of added protection.
How to Use Eggshells in the Garden
Here’s how to make the most of your eggshell stash:
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Rinse the shells to remove any egg residue – this helps avoid attracting unwanted pests.
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Let them dry completely (you can pop them in a low oven if you’re in a hurry).
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Crush the shells into small, jagged pieces – aim for a texture like coarse gravel.
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Scatter a generous ring of the crushed shells around the base of any plants you want to protect.
Remember: the more consistent the barrier, the better. If there are gaps, slugs will find them.
Other Natural Ways to Deter Slugs
Eggshells are a great start, but if you’ve got a bigger slug problem, here are a few other methods to try:
- Copper tape: Slugs get a mild electric shock when they touch copper.
- Beer traps: Slugs are attracted to beer – sink a shallow container of it into the soil and they’ll fall in.
- Wool pellets: These create a rough, dry surface slugs don’t like.
- Companion planting: Fragrant herbs like rosemary, lavender, and mint can deter slugs naturally.
Alexa’s Top Tip
“I always save my eggshells – not just for slugs, but because they’re great for the garden in general. They add calcium to the soil and help improve drainage too. Just make sure you crush them finely and reapply after heavy rain!”
Give It a Go!
Next time you make an omelette or boil an egg, don’t throw the shells away – put them to good use in the garden. It’s a natural, sustainable way to protect your plants, and every little helps when it comes to keeping slugs at bay.
Let us know if you try this trick – and don’t forget to tag us in your gardening wins over on Instagram and Facebook! 🌿