How to Get Rid of Slugs in the Garden with Eggshells

Are slugs or snails taking over your garden? Then you need to see how to get rid of slugs in the garden.

There is nothing more frustrating than planting a garden and having it ravaged by pests.

Several weeks ago, I noticed that my strawberries were beginning to ripen.

I was so excited to pick my first strawberries of the season, until I examined them closely and noticed that the slugs had beat me to them.

While it can be frustrating to deal with these pests, you don’t have to resort to chemical sprays or other methods.

Several years ago the slugs were feasting on my tomatoes and I decided to put eggshells in my garden.

It’s a simple but very effective way to control slugs and snails while adding organic matter to your soil.

Slugs are night feeders, so you may never actually see them. 

All you’ll see in the morning is their havoc – bean and lettuce leaves with holes in them, and perfectly ripened strawberries riddled with deep tunnels.

How to Get Rid of Slugs

Slugs can really wreak havoc in a garden. They seem to have a never-ending appetite. 

Slugs and snails are part of the mollusk family, and the only real difference between the two is that snails have shells and slugs don’t.

And if you have one of the two species, you usually have the other, since they both enjoy the same environments. We have not seen snails in our yard, but the slugs can really be a nuisance.

Their bodies are soft, moist and covered with slime to protect them from drying out and dying.

Like all animals, even slugs have their place. In the wild, they help compost soil. You just don’t need that many of them “helping” you in your garden.

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In my opinion, it is not necessary to kill slugs.

There are rational ways to deal with the pests.

You do not need to fight them directly.

It is easy enough to ward them off passively; for example, with barriers against slugs and snails.

Slugs are very important.

They provide food for all sorts of mammals, birds, earthworms, insects and they are part of the natural balance.

Upsetting that balance by removing them and we can do a lot of harm.

Eggshells in the Garden

One of my favorite ways to get rid of slugs and snails is to add eggshells in the garden.

Each time you crack an egg open, instead of tossing the shell into the trash, drop it into a container.

As the shells fill the container, I simply push down on them to crush them and make more room.

Once the container is full, you are ready to use those eggshells in the garden.

I have been concerned about bacteria that may be on the shells, so I bake my shells before adding them to the garden.

Now, there are may people who don’t worry about sanitizing them, but it makes me feel better.

To sanitize, place them on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes at 350°.

You can also sanitize them my placing them in the microwave for 15-30 seconds, depending on how many you have.

Crush the shells into small bits, just use a rolling pin or wooden spoon. 

Sprinkle the crushed shells around the base of your plants.

The sharp eggshells will deter slugs, snails and other soft-bodied bugs from feasting on your garden.

Note: Strawberry plants grow well with the addition of natural potassium from the eggshells.

It’s a win, win!

Do eggshells help in the garden?

Absolutely!

Using eggshells in the garden can boost your garden’s productivity — and it won’t cost a dime!

Eggshells are a free byproduct of cooking in most households.

Instead of tossing them in the trash, use eggshells to improve your garden soil and to deter pests.

Using Eggshells to Improve Your Soil

Eggshells add calcium to the soil.

And tomato plants love the addition of calcium to the soil.

Add a small scoop of finely ground eggshells directly to individual planting holes when you’re planting your garden. 

To finely grind the eggshells, place them in a blender.

Add Eggshells to Your Compost

Can eggshells go in compost?

Absolutely!

Adding eggshells to your compost will boost the mineral content.

Eggshells that are crushed will break down fairly quickly, but you can still use the compost in your garden even if the shells are still intact.

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This method adding eggshells in the garden works wonders.

It has taken care of the slugs wreaking havoc in my strawberry patch.

This week I was able to go out into my garden and harvest big, juicy strawberries without them being half eaten by slugs. 

Slugs can be a nuisance in the garden, but with this easy and eco-friendly solution that can help keep them away from your plants.

Eggshells are a great way to deter slugs without having to resort to chemical sprays or other methods, while add nutrients to your soil.

By following these steps, you can effectively use eggshells to get rid of slugs in your garden and enjoy a beautiful harvest!

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Do you struggle with slugs or snails in your garden?

What have you used to control these pests?

We’d love to hear from you!

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