As the new year settles in, a simple yet highly effective gardening task is being recommended to households across the UK. Rather than tossing them in the bin, used eggshells can provide multiple benefits for your outdoor space if deployed before spring arrives.
The Winter Garden Boost from a TikTok Expert
The advice comes from a popular gardening enthusiast on TikTok, known as Ish, who shares tips under the username gardening.with.ish. In a recent video posted in January 2026, he detailed the surprising versatility of this common kitchen waste item, urging gardeners to brave the winter weather for a job that promises significant rewards.
Ish's central message is clear: eggshells are far too valuable to discard. He outlined several key uses, starting with a natural and effective form of pest control. The sharp, crisp edges of crushed eggshells act as a powerful deterrent against slugs and snails, creatures that find the texture highly unappealing and will avoid crawling over it.
"You can apply this right onto the soil," Ish explained, "and that should stop them from crawling over and hopefully having a bit of a bite on your plants." This method offers a chemical-free way to protect vulnerable seedlings and plants as they begin their growth.
Creating a Homemade, Slow-Release Fertiliser
Beyond pest control, eggshells serve as an excellent natural fertiliser. They are rich in calcium, a vital nutrient for strong root development and overall plant health. To harness this, Ish recommends crushing the shells into a fine powder using a sealed bag and a rolling pin or a blender.
This powder can then be mixed into multi-purpose compost, worked into the soil at the base of plants, or simply sprinkled on top and watered in. Because the shells break down slowly, they provide a gentle, sustained nutrient release without the risk of over-fertilising. This is particularly beneficial for preventing issues like blossom end rot in crops such as tomatoes, peppers, and squash.
Additional Uses for a Thriving Garden
The benefits of eggshells extend further. Ish also highlights their value in the compost heap, where their calcium content enriches the final compost mixture. For gardeners seeking a faster composting process, adding crushed shells can help accelerate breakdown.
Furthermore, eggshells can be used as biodegradable seed starters. Simply fill half-shells with soil and plant seeds directly into them. When the seedlings are ready, the entire shell can be planted into the ground, minimising root disturbance and adding calcium to the surrounding soil as it decomposes.
While some suggest burying whole eggs for a slow nutrient release, this approach can attract pests and cause odours if not buried deeply enough, making crushed shells a more practical and odour-free alternative for most gardeners.
With these tips from gardening.with.ish, UK households have a clear, cost-effective, and sustainable way to enhance their gardens this January. By saving and repurposing eggshells, you can deter pests, feed your plants, and improve your compost, setting the stage for a healthier, more productive garden in the coming spring.
