Gardeners are being told to keep their egg shells for future gardening tasks, by collecting them and putting them inside of a mesh bag for birds to feed during the spring and summer.
Gardeners are being urged to keep hold of any egg-shell remains for a crucial reason this summer – and it has nothing to do with plants.
Instead of tossing egg-shells into the bin once they’ve been cracked, people are being told to save them and hang them in the garden – all in aid of birds. Gardening experts claim they provide a source of calcium for birds during their breeding season, which goes on until at least June. And it’s not just birds reaping the benefits.
They also contain vital nutrients for plants and are very rich in calcium, enhancing the soil and work to deter any unwanted pests from plants that are otherwise at risk of being killed by the likes of slugs and snails.
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As explained by DIY Everywhere, in a bid to reduce food wastage and help garden birds, gardeners are being told to hold onto the egg shells and crush them, until a good amount is formed. It then tells gardeners to put them into a mesh garden bag. By having a mesh bag, it makes it easier to hang them in the garden where birds can peck at them.
The site explained: “Incorporating natural and eco-friendly practices can be both effective and rewarding. One such practice involves utilising a seemingly ordinary kitchen waste product: eggshells. This simple act of hanging a mesh bag of eggshells in your garden can offer a variety of benefits that you might not have considered,” it continued.
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The months of April, May and June mark an important period for birds, as it’s their breeding and nestling season. This is the time when birds need the most nutrients to survive, especially during the hotter months.
According to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) findings, bird population numbers have decreased a lot in recent years across many areas. This is due to habitat loss, the climate change and the lack of food available.
Therefore, a way to keep birds fed and around, gardening experts have urged people to do their part by simply undertaking this simple task. So, next time you’re making an omelette or a fried egg, think twice before getting rid of them.
By saving and using them, gardeners will nourish their outdoor spaces and provide vital nutrition to birds and help support local wildlife. It’s a win-win for the environment and your patio.