Problem with composting eggshells. Do you have the answer?

Question

I just have a 2 sided spinner composter. It does get hot enough to make good compost, but it's not like a giant steaming pile. So...

I know eggshells are supposed to be great in compost and I crush them up a bit and throw them in all the time. Problem is that they often end up creating big solid clumps that I can't even get through the strainer. They kind of look like owl poop when they crap out animal skeletons.

So - my thought is to wash off the albumen before throwing in the bin. I've been doing it a short time - not long enough to see the results - but I'm wondering if A) anyone else does this and B) if by getting rid of the albumen, I'm actually getting rid of the good stuff for the compost?

Thanks!

Anonymous · Answer

I just throw them into the garden. They don't help compost to break down. Smash them with a smashing tool if you want them smaller.

Ben · Answer

There's protein in what you are washing off, which means nitrogen, which is technically good, but the quantities in question are so minuscule that it's not worth worrying about.
I wouldn't really bother personally, though. I just crush mine up and toss them in. They usually don't rot much by the time the compost is ready, but since I only use my compost for mulching, digging into my veg patch, and in pots for large plants, a few bits like that don't matter, and they'll fully decompose eventually.

Power Flower · Answer

I just crush them in my hand and chuck them straight on the vege bed. Slugs and snails don't like crawling over them. They'll break down eventually and add calcium to the soil. Trying to compost them is a waste of time. They're more useful elsewhere.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gardenista.com/po...

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gardenista.com/posts/diy-5-ideas-to-use-eggshells-in-the-garden-pest-control-mulch-fertilizer/amp/

Caroline · Answer

https://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/gardening-techniques/break-down-eggshells-in-compost-zm0z16jjzkin

You could try grinding them up as suggested in the article. I compost also, and squish up the eggshells and just toss them in...but I have an open compost and a much more laissez faire attitude about it then you do, lol.

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Problem with composting eggshells. Do you have the answer?

4 Answers