LifestyleA threat to gardens and a surprising use for eggshells

A threat to gardens and a surprising use for eggshells

An effective method for dealing with snails in the garden
An effective method for dealing with snails in the garden
Images source: © Adobe Stock | HENRYK NIESTROJ

2:22 PM EST, February 11, 2024

Their presence in the garden is ominous. Despite their small size, they can cause substantial damage, as many gardeners have already found out.

What attracts snails to our gardens?

Snails feel safest in tall grass, which is abundant in our gardens. They also favor damp places where they can find food. They feed on plant shoots, stems, and small insects, making our gardens a real paradise for them. Unfortunately, snails have a voracious appetite. Once they find a plant they like, nothing can distract them. They pose a severe threat not only to individual plants but also to the entire crop.

Addressing snail infestations in the garden: Drive them away in a jiffy

While snails crawl at a painstakingly slow pace, their reproduction rate is alarmingly rapid. The problem isn't just a couple of snails in the garden; even a few more can risk a full-scale invasion, seriously endangering the plants. This problem needs to be nipped in the bud, but without resorting to potent chemicals immediately. Interestingly, eggshells, a common item found in most of our homes and traditionally part of our breakfast, can be the solution.

To use eggshells to deter snails, simply boil some eggs, peel them, then crush the shells. Spread the crushed shells around the plants. Be generous with them - they not only deter snails, but also nourish the soil by lowering its pH, which is beneficial for many plants. The pulverized shells make it difficult for snails to reach the plants, discouraging them from further foraging. They'll soon abandon the garden in search of a more accommodating environment.

Related content