HOW TO REUSE Shrimp Shells in the Garden!
Shrimp shells contain CHITIN, the protein-based lining of the shell. As they break down, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and trace minerals are released. They add organic matter, stimulate microorganisms, and improve soil quality.
Because I don’t use chemical fertilizers in my garden, I look for materials that I can make soil amendments with.
I never throw away raw or cooked shrimp shells. Sometimes I add them to the compost. Other times I simply soak the shells in water for a couple of days, loosely covered.
I water first and then apply the shrimp water so that it soaks in well and doesn’t run off the sides of dry soil.
Any plant that flowers and produces edible fruits or vegetables are good candidates for crustaceuan shell soil amendments.
I use this on tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, pumpkins, figs, strawberries and sweet potatoes!
In a longer video I’ll add more detail, and some cool info about how KITEIN can fend off harmful nematodes that attack plant roots!
1 Comment
Compost shrimp shells with these tips:
Bury in the hottest part of the compost pile (usually the center) and make sure to add a lot of "brown", carbon-rich materials. Shrimp shells are "green", nitrogen-rich.
Chopping or grinding the shells up first creates more surface area for the microorganisms to break them down, speeding up the process.
Cooking shells first is known to remove the fatty stuff that will attract varmints. If you're worried about critters, boil the shells for 30 minutes before adding to the compost.
I have buried raw abd cooked shrimp shells in my garden beds without a problem.
My composting worms will break down shrinp shells. I put the shells in the food processor first along with other foods and grind up the grub, and always use lots of cardboard in the bin. Cover food with lots of cardboard.
See my eBook on HomeGrownFun.com, "50 Homemade Fertilizers and Soil Amendments". It's not free and it's not clickbait. It has over 150 pages and has sold over a thousand copies. It's also on Amazon.
My 17 year old said. "Mom, promote your eBook!" Oh yeah! That thing called promotion. Terrible at it!
I also just published a guide on Composting with Worms and it is not like other guides on the market. It shows you how I created a worm model, held a composting fair at school and more.
See the eBooks listed near the bottom of the homepage. The 2nd edition is on my website (most recent with updated links to university studies and new information).
Amazon still has the first edition for now.