GREEN BIZ
The food waste you’re binning all the time that could make your thin and yellow lawn lush in time for summer
Scroll down to see Fabulous' full guide to using food scraps for a luscious lawn this summer
AS spring kicks off and hotter months are on the horizon, we’re all dreaming of spending more time in our gardens.
But what you do now can make a huge difference to how beautiful your green space will look come summer - particularly the grass.
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Gardening experts have been raving about a very common kitchen scrap that fertilises your lawn and transform its appearance.
Think lush and green, not drab and yellow.
And that scrap is eggshells - which provide heaps of benefits to soil, creating an optimum environment for grass growth.
The science behind using eggshells as a fertiliser lies in their composition and the nutrients they inject into soil.
Eggshells are primarily made of calcium carbonate, along with smaller amounts of other minerals like magnesium and potassium.
These minerals are essential for plant growth and development.
When eggshells are crushed and spread on grass, they gradually decompose due to the activity of soil microorganisms.
As they break down, they release calcium and other minerals into the soil which are then absorbed by the grass roots.
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Calcium is particularly important for plants as it plays a vital role in cell wall structure, nutrient uptake and overall plant health. It also helps to balance soil pH by promoting optimal conditions for grass growth.
Top Tips
- Crush the eggshells as finely as possible to speed up their decomposition process
- It's best to apply eggshells in the spring when grass is actively growing
- Avoid using eggshells if you have issues with pests like foxes or rodents, as they might be attracted to the smell of eggs
Using eggshells as a fertiliser is environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it repurposes a waste product that would otherwise be discarded.
It also reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers, which can have negative impacts on the environment if overused.
How to use eggshells for a lush lawn
Rinse the eggshells thoroughly to remove any remaining egg white or yolk, and then allow them to air dry completely.
Once they’re dry, crush them into small pieces.
You can use a mortar and pestle, a rolling pin, or even a blender to break them down into fine particles.
The finer the shells are crushed, the quicker they will decompose in the soil.
Scatter the crushed eggshells evenly over your lawn, aiming for a thin and even layer across the entire lawn.
After spreading the crushed eggshells, water your lawn thoroughly.
This helps to activate the decomposition process and allows the nutrients from the eggshells to seep into the soil.
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Depending on the condition of your lawn and the amount of eggshells you have, you can repeat this process every few weeks during the growing season.
Over time, you'll notice improved soil quality and healthier grass.