With nut season over, one wonders what to do with nut shells. Can they be used as mulch? The answer is yes, as they can help provide your soil and plants with the best nutritional needs.
The nuts’ shells are often discarded after enjoying the nuts inside, but they have a surprising range of benefits for you and your plants. One hardly thinks of them, but with these benefits, you’ll think otherwise.
Using nut shells as mulch
Not only are nuts a delicious and nutritious snack, packed with all the necessary fatty acids and other essential nutrients. They also play a role in various recipes, from sweet treats to savoury dishes.
However, it’s the shells that hold a hidden value for gardeners, especially during the colder months.
With nut season being in Autumn, the shells help a lot during the cold winter months. Using them in winter provides essential benefits for plants during harsh conditions.
The benefits of nut shells
Helps with moisture retention
As the winter air becomes colder, the atmosphere prepares to go colder. Many gardeners layer nut shells on the soil around their plants.
This practice helps to reduce water evaporation, retaining moisture and ensuring that the plants stay hydrated without the need for frequent watering. With winters becoming drier in many parts of the country, plants must retain moisture.
Soil protection
In addition to aiding moisture retention, nut shells serve as a natural barrier, protecting your soil from harmful substances. This helps maintain the soil’s pH balance, which is crucial for your plant’s health and growth.
Crush the nut shells into a fine powder to use as a protective fertiliser. These will be absorbed by the roots of the plants, proving beneficial for your plants.
Act as a pest repellent
Nutshells have a natural repellent effect on pests. To keep nuts away from both your indoor and outdoor plants, crush nuts and spread them around your plants.
The crushed shells will help keep pests at bay, saving your plants from any infestation. You can crush the shells at the base of your plants or mix them into the soil before planting.
Compiled by: Jade McGee
First published on Garden & Home
Also see: Ways to wear your scarf this season
