Grinding egg shells for your nanners

Snarkie · 02-07-2018, 08:04 PM

One of the most important things we can put in our soil is ground egg shells. I have been playing around with this for a while, as my dad boils a LOT of eggs. I tried crushing by hand (ouch), using a mortar and pestle; even a hammer. Then, I decided to get the blender out. I mashed them by hand and then added a little at a time on the LIQUEFY setting. Works like a charm! Just make sure you leave the lid on. It makes a lot of noxious dust.

The result is egg shell sand that mixes with any soil. It helps with drainage, as well as adding calcium to your mix. I've been adding a half cup of egg sand per gallon of mix, and it seems to be working well. I add to that, sawdust from the shop, as well as any recycled soil from dead plants, and composted wood shavings from my dad's wood turning shop. Then, I add a heavy heaping of ground pumice for additional drainage.

Mark Dragt · 02-07-2018, 11:46 PM

I haven't tried the blender idea, but have tried the others you listed with different levels of success. What I did find to work really good for me is a old meat grinder. If you don't like the level of goring just run it through again till you like the end product. Works great!

Snarkie · 02-08-2018, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Dragt

I haven't tried the blender idea, but have tried the others you listed with different levels of success. What I did find to work really good for me is a old meat grinder. If you don't like the level of goring just run it through again till you like the end product. Works great!

I think I saw that in Pink Floyd's The Wall.

Richard · 02-08-2018, 11:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkie

One of the most important things we can put in our soil is ground egg shells.

Maybe in your soil, but not in the majority of Florida and many western states.

Tytaylor77 · 02-09-2018, 10:13 AM

Most important thing I put in my Sand is Soil haha.

Anything exiting the chicken goes into my compost! Never ground them though.

aruzinsky · 02-09-2018, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkie

One of the most important things we can put in our soil is ground egg shells. I have been playing around with this for a while, as my dad boils a LOT of eggs. I tried crushing by hand (ouch), using a mortar and pestle; even a hammer. Then, I decided to get the blender out. I mashed them by hand and then added a little at a time on the LIQUEFY setting. Works like a charm! Just make sure you leave the lid on. It makes a lot of noxious dust.

The result is egg shell sand that mixes with any soil. It helps with drainage, as well as adding calcium to your mix. I've been adding a half cup of egg sand per gallon of mix, and it seems to be working well. I add to that, sawdust from the shop, as well as any recycled soil from dead plants, and composted wood shavings from my dad's wood turning shop. Then, I add a heavy heaping of ground pumice for additional drainage.

If you want to grind them very fine, use a ball mill:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ball_mill

You can make a small one out of a lapidary tumbler:

https://www.google.com/shopping/prod...65444968480628

And, fill it with stainless steel ball bearings:

https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Stainles...F16/ref=sr_1_9

Snarkie · 02-09-2018, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard

Maybe in your soil, but not in the majority of Florida and many western states.

Richard, while it is abundantly obvious that both you and I have above-genius IQs and can engage in fascinating conversations about a multitude of topics, there is something that I must articulate to you:

The majority of people on this forum do not reside in Florida or Western states, where the soil is pH+. Instead, they live in Americana Generaloides, where the soil pH tends to lean on the negative side. It is to those people whom I addressed this post. Sorry it did not include you in your San Diego County location.

Great to hear from you though! I always love a challenge; not only from you, but anyone who wishes to engage a published author and screenwriter in a printed forum.

edwmax · 02-09-2018, 04:40 PM

I agree that adding calcium to the soil is of great benefit for those who's soil and fertilizer is calcium deficient. ... However, i use a balanced fertilizer with micro nutrients which supplies calcium in the proper ratio for nutrient uptake of the plant. Since calcium is believed to be a regulator it has been reported that an overload condition will block or inhibit plant nutrient uptake. Much of the function & effects of calcium are not understood and currently being studied.

As for my eggs shells I feed those back to my chickens as the 'girls' need the calcium to replace that which was lost laying the egg. ....

customgreen · 02-10-2018, 08:37 AM

I use an old fashioned meat grinder. Works like a charm. I also grind up my veggies with the same grinder and toss it all in the compost. Breaks down in a third the time.

Snarkie · 02-10-2018, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by edwmax

I agree that adding calcium to the soil is of great benefit for those who's soil and fertilizer is calcium deficient. ... However, i use a balanced fertilizer with micro nutrients which supplies calcium in the proper ratio for nutrient uptake of the plant. Since calcium is believed to be a regulator it has been reported that an overload condition will block or inhibit plant nutrient uptake. Much of the function & effects of calcium are not understood and currently being studied.

As for my eggs shells I feed those back to my chickens as the 'girls' need the calcium to replace that which was lost laying the egg. ....

Now see, that was an intelligent reply that makes a lot of sense.

I should further add, that my egg shell aggregate is so far used for potted plants only. It goes into the garden by the plant.

Snarkie · 02-10-2018, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by customgreen

I use an old fashioned meat grinder. Works like a charm. I also grind up my veggies with the same grinder and toss it all in the compost. Breaks down in a third the time.

If I could give you 1,000 thanks, I would.

Since I have no need for the blender, other than grinding egg shells, I will now dry my veggie mass and blend it as well.

Kudos, my friend!

Kelly00077 · 02-10-2018, 03:17 PM

I also use coffee grounds egg shells and wood ash

customgreen · 02-10-2018, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelly00077

I also use coffee grounds egg shells and wood ash

I use coffee grounds also, and a little bit of wood ash. My neighbor behind me is from Thailand and she swears by wood ashes. She uses it all the time. I use only a very little bit as well as the eggshells, and used coffee grounds. It all goes into the compost bin which is 1/2 yard capacity.

Snarkie · 02-11-2018, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by customgreen

I use coffee grounds also, and a little bit of wood ash. My neighbor behind me is from Thailand and she swears by wood ashes. She uses it all the time. I use only a very little bit as well as the eggshells, and used coffee grounds. It all goes into the compost bin which is 1/2 yard capacity.

I use ash as well.

I add sawdust from the table saw, I burn the leaves and sticks from the yard, and then I also add the curlings from my dad's lathing that mulches down. The ash is what adds the carbon to the soil. Burn the little stuff for ash, but smash the charcoal from the bigger mass. That is what gives you that rich, black soil.

cincinnana · 02-14-2018, 11:12 PM

I put those in the compost

PR-Giants · 02-16-2018, 07:25 PM

I've always ground them up in the blender with water, coffee grounds, and any other vegetable waste. My millipedes love the egg shells.

Nice thread, Thanks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snarkie

One of the most important things we can put in our soil is ground egg shells. I have been playing around with this for a while, as my dad boils a LOT of eggs. I tried crushing by hand (ouch), using a mortar and pestle; even a hammer. Then, I decided to get the blender out. I mashed them by hand and then added a little at a time on the LIQUEFY setting. Works like a charm! Just make sure you leave the lid on. It makes a lot of noxious dust.

The result is egg shell sand that mixes with any soil. It helps with drainage, as well as adding calcium to your mix. I've been adding a half cup of egg sand per gallon of mix, and it seems to be working well. I add to that, sawdust from the shop, as well as any recycled soil from dead plants, and composted wood shavings from my dad's wood turning shop. Then, I add a heavy heaping of ground pumice for additional drainage.

cincinnana · 02-16-2018, 07:58 PM

Compost is great

However your going to need a lot of shells to make difference in a garden..

But every bit helps..

Keep non peeling

Snarkie · 02-24-2018, 12:09 PM

Haha, Mike. You wouldn't believe how many eggs my dad eats, and this is all going into the planting pots.

02-07-2018, 08:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
Snarkie The Cat Whisperer Location: Charlotte, NC Zone: 8b, pushing 9a Name: D.A. Hänks Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 2,119 BananaBucks : 174,668 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,218 Times Was Thanked 1,976 Times in 1,145 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,049 Times	Grinding egg shells for your nanners One of the most important things we can put in our soil is ground egg shells. I have been playing around with this for a while, as my dad boils a LOT of eggs. I tried crushing by hand (ouch), using a mortar and pestle; even a hammer. Then, I decided to get the blender out. I mashed them by hand and then added a little at a time on the LIQUEFY setting. Works like a charm! Just make sure you leave the lid on. It makes a lot of noxious dust. The result is egg shell sand that mixes with any soil. It helps with drainage, as well as adding calcium to your mix. I've been adding a half cup of egg sand per gallon of mix, and it seems to be working well. I add to that, sawdust from the shop, as well as any recycled soil from dead plants, and composted wood shavings from my dad's wood turning shop. Then, I add a heavy heaping of ground pumice for additional drainage. __________________ Doug (D.A. Hänks) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955582/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 The Only Eastern Redwood Forest in America "Nuke my 'nanners, will you?!"

02-07-2018, 11:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Mark Dragt Location: Rochester,Wa Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 823 BananaBucks : 43,774 Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,357 Times Was Thanked 1,718 Times in 635 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 332 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners I haven't tried the blender idea, but have tried the others you listed with different levels of success. What I did find to work really good for me is a old meat grinder. If you don't like the level of goring just run it through again till you like the end product. Works great! __________________ Mark's Banana Forest Paradise

02-09-2018, 10:13 AM	#5 (permalink)
Tytaylor77 Banana Plants for Trade Location: East Texas Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Name: Ty Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 1,367 BananaBucks : 53,142 Feedback: 11 / 100% Said "Thanks" 4,608 Times Was Thanked 3,726 Times in 1,185 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 424 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners Most important thing I put in my Sand is Soil haha. Anything exiting the chicken goes into my compost! Never ground them though. __________________ 150+ Varieties!!. See profile for list. Help me add more! CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES OF MY MUSA COLLECTION! www.bananapups.com

02-09-2018, 04:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
edwmax Location: Cairo, Ga Find me on the map! Zone: 8b Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 2,891 BananaBucks : 100,724 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 1,740 Times Was Thanked 4,437 Times in 2,093 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 414 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners I agree that adding calcium to the soil is of great benefit for those who's soil and fertilizer is calcium deficient. ... However, i use a balanced fertilizer with micro nutrients which supplies calcium in the proper ratio for nutrient uptake of the plant. Since calcium is believed to be a regulator it has been reported that an overload condition will block or inhibit plant nutrient uptake. Much of the function & effects of calcium are not understood and currently being studied. As for my eggs shells I feed those back to my chickens as the 'girls' need the calcium to replace that which was lost laying the egg. .... __________________

02-10-2018, 08:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
customgreen Location: Port Charlotte FL Zone: 10 Name: Bob Join Date: Jan 2018 Posts: 57 BananaBucks : 13,968 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 5 Times Was Thanked 46 Times in 27 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners I use an old fashioned meat grinder. Works like a charm. I also grind up my veggies with the same grinder and toss it all in the compost. Breaks down in a third the time.

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02-10-2018, 03:17 PM	#12 (permalink)
Kelly00077 Find me on the map! Zone: 8 Name: Kelly Join Date: Dec 2017 Posts: 41 BananaBucks : 9,292 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 37 Times Was Thanked 25 Times in 13 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners I also use coffee grounds egg shells and wood ash

02-14-2018, 11:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
cincinnana container grower Location: Southwest Ohio U.S.A.🇺🇸 Find me on the map! Zone: HZ 6/5 Microclimate - Elevation 750 feet- 228.60 meters Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 8,878 BananaBucks : 5,419 Feedback: 7 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,914 Times Was Thanked 11,779 Times in 4,912 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,957 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners I put those in the compost __________________ Cincinnana/Hostafarians Photo Gallery 🌴

02-16-2018, 07:58 PM	#17 (permalink)
cincinnana container grower Location: Southwest Ohio U.S.A.🇺🇸 Find me on the map! Zone: HZ 6/5 Microclimate - Elevation 750 feet- 228.60 meters Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 8,878 BananaBucks : 5,419 Feedback: 7 / 100% Said "Thanks" 3,914 Times Was Thanked 11,779 Times in 4,912 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,957 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners Compost is great However your going to need a lot of shells to make difference in a garden.. But every bit helps.. Keep non peeling __________________ Cincinnana/Hostafarians Photo Gallery 🌴 Last edited by cincinnana : 02-16-2018 at 08:02 PM.

02-24-2018, 12:09 PM	#18 (permalink)
Snarkie The Cat Whisperer Location: Charlotte, NC Zone: 8b, pushing 9a Name: D.A. Hänks Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 2,119 BananaBucks : 174,668 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1,218 Times Was Thanked 1,976 Times in 1,145 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 1,049 Times	Re: Grinding egg shells for your nanners Haha, Mike. You wouldn't believe how many eggs my dad eats, and this is all going into the planting pots. __________________ Doug (D.A. Hänks) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2955582/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 The Only Eastern Redwood Forest in America "Nuke my 'nanners, will you?!"

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