From the page: The shell that turns into gold in the garden
Idea 6
Pot drainage at the bottom
Every pot needs a layer at the bottom so water can drain without carrying the soil away — people used to use roof tile shards, today the eggshell plays the same role and gives a bonus back. As it decomposes slowly, it releases calcium into the soil, a nutrient that strengthens plant cell walls. It's drainage and slow-release fertilizer in a single layer.
What you need
- Dry eggshells (store in an open jar until you gather a good amount)
- Hand, mortar or simple masher
- Pots with a hole in the bottom
- Planting soil
How to make it
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1
Let the shells dry well in the sun or near the sink for a few days — dry shell breaks better and doesn't attract odors.
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2
Crush the shells with your hand into coarse pieces, the size of a coin or a bit smaller. Don't turn it into powder: larger pieces leave air gaps, which is exactly what makes water drain.
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3
At the bottom of the pot, cover the hole with a 2 to 3-finger layer of these pieces — they hold the soil in and let the water out freely.
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4
Fill in with the soil and plant as usual. With each watering, the water crosses the layer and carries a little calcium to the roots.
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5
In pots with calcium-loving plants (tomato, pepper, rosemary), this layer makes an even bigger difference in health over the months.
Finishing touches
If there is leftover shell powder after crushing, don't throw it away — sprinkle it around already-grown plants as a calcium boost. And for the next batch, store the shells in a jar in the pantry until you form the next pot's layer.
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