Homeowners urged to add eggshells to gardens for birds

In fact, one thing you should add to your garden this year might surprise you, as it’s normally an item that would go in the bin.

Gardening experts have shared the benefits of adding eggshells to your garden, giving them a purpose after you’ve enjoyed eating your eggs.

Here’s how you can use the kitchen leftovers to benefit birds in your garden.

Make sure to prepare the eggshells correctly before using them (Image: Getty)

Why are eggshells good for birds?

Luke Newnes, gardening expert at Hillarys, shared his passion for using leftovers in the garden: “As a gardener, I’m a big believer in making the most of everyday kitchen leftovers, and eggshells are one of those things that can quietly do a lot of good in a UK garden.

“One of the reasons I often recommend them is because birds, especially in early spring, benefit from the extra calcium.

“It’s a crucial mineral for females when they’re forming eggs, and it can help them produce strong, healthy shells during the breeding season.”

How to prepare eggshells for birds

It’s important that you prepare the eggshells correctly so the birds can safely eat them and so you don’t attract rodents to your garden.

Nick Wood, horticulturist at GardeningExpress.co.uk, said: “To prepare eggshells for birds, they should first be sterilised to help prevent the spread of any infectious diseases.

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“You can do this by pouring boiling water over the shells or baking them in the oven for a short time.

“Once thoroughly dry, crush them into a fine, manageable grit that birds can safely digest.

“Crushed eggshells can then be sprinkled on a bird table alongside seeds or added to a homemade linseed ball.

“These can be hung in open spaces or placed on feeding tables positioned well away from predators such as cats and foxes, helping to keep visiting birds safe.”

He added: “Like most food left out for wildlife, eggshells can carry a slight risk of attracting rodents.

“Placing them higher up will help deter rats and mice from reaching them.

“It’s also another reason why you should give the shells a thorough wash and proper sterilisation – removing any lingering egg residue or smell, particularly from the yolk, will make them far less appealing to unwanted visitors.”

When should you put eggshells in your garden for birds?

Dr Elliot Goodwin, Practice Owner at Vets for Pets Hereford, said eggshells can be put in your garden at any time of year, “but they’re especially valuable in spring when female birds need extra calcium to produce strong eggs, and again in autumn during the moulting season.”

He added: “Don’t worry if the birds don’t take to them straight away – it can take a little time for them to recognise something new in the garden.”

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Are eggshells good for soil?

It’s not just the birds who can benefit from the eggshells, as Nick explains: “Other than helping birds and other wildlife, eggshells can also benefit your garden, they’re packed with calcium which supports healthy plant growth and can help prevent problems like blossom end rot in crops like tomatoes and peppers.

“Adding crushed eggshells to soil or a compost heap can improve overall soil structure and reduce acidity which creates the ideal condition for plants to thrive.”

Luke said eggshells can deter slugs and snails “as the dry, sharp fragments create an uncomfortable surface that many soft-bodied pests prefer to avoid.”

He added: “While it isn’t a perfect solution, especially in very wet weather, it can noticeably cut down on damage during drier periods.”

Once the birds know to come to your garden for eggshells, they will often keep coming back, which means your insect numbers will be kept in check too.

Luke added: “Eggshells are one of those small, almost effortless things that can make a real difference.”

What’s one thing you’ve added to your garden that has helped wildlife and your garden thrive? Let us know in the comments.