From the page: The shell that turns into gold in the garden
Idea 3
Barrier against snails and slugs
A raised-bed garden is the perfect home for snails and slugs — and it has always been a challenge for home growers. Broken eggshells work because their sharp, rough edges strip away these creatures' protective mucus, so they avoid crossing the barrier.
What you need
- Dry eggshells (about 6 to 10 for each small bed)
- A mortar, tamper or the bottom of a thick glass
- Wooden spoon
- Bed, pot or home garden
How to make it
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1
Wash the shells and let them dry well in the sun or in a low oven for a few minutes — dry shell breaks into sharper shards, which is exactly what keeps snails away.
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2
Break the shells coarsely with the mortar, leaving large, pointy pieces — don't turn it into powder — the irregular texture is what creates the physical barrier.
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3
Spread the shards around the attacked plants, forming a continuous ring about 3 to 5 centimeters wide, with no gaps they could pass through.
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4
Reapply after heavy rains or watering, as the shards may sink or scatter and open a path.
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5
Watch the leaves over the following days: if the bites stop, your barrier is working.
Finishing touches
The shards also decompose slowly and release calcium into the soil, so when the barrier "fades" you can work everything into the earth. It works even better combined with morning watering, leaving the bed dry at night, when snails come out.
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