Normally when we eat a nut we usually throw the shell in the trash or in the compost heap, right? But, What if I told you that it can be an excellent fertilizer for plants? Whether they are spread in pots or in the garden, it is easy to get them to have excellent growth and better development.
So, every time you go to eat a nut, don't throw away the remains. Take advantage of them to take care of your plants. Next you will see what are the benefits of walnut shells in the garden or orchard.
What nutrients do walnut shells bring to the garden?
Whether you have a Walnut (Juglans regal) of fruiting age as if you like to go to the supermarket to buy nuts, you will not only be able to enjoy their content but also the benefits of the shells, which they are very rich in phosphorus and potassium, two of the three essential macronutrients, as well as in sodium, iron, zinc, and somewhat less in manganese, calcium, magnesium and copper.
The shells, whether chopped or spread without manipulating them too much on the substrate or soil, as they decompose they will release these nutrients so that they can be absorbed by the roots of the plants.
How long do you get results?
We have to be aware that walnut shells are natural slow release fertilizers, so we will not notice the effects after a few days, but the plant will absorb the nutrients that it needs as the process of decomposition of the shells progresses.
In addition, it must be added that thanks to this fertilizer the soil or substrate will become richer in nutrients, which will allow the vegetables to have a very good development.
How to take advantage of walnut shells for plants?
As walnut shells are completely natural, they can be used in different ways:
- Spreading them on the ground: thus, letting nature take its course, they will slowly decompose. This is undoubtedly very interesting if the soil in the garden is already rich in organic matter since in this way it is achieved that the roots obtain the nutrients that are becoming available to them little by little.
- Grinding them conscientiously: the ground walnut shell is advisable to use when you need to see results as soon as possible. For example, if you have a potted plant that is recovering from an infestation, you could pour one or two small tablespoons (of coffee or dessert) on the surface of the substrate, and finally water. In this way, as it would soon reach the roots, they could take advantage of them faster as they are ground.
Do they have any uses for humans?
The truth is that yes. The walnut shell is very beneficial for the hair, as it prevents it from falling out before its time and, in addition, they are a good natural dye. How to take advantage of them?
Well if what you want is prevent fall, what you have to do is an infusion with the shells and use the resulting liquid to wash dark hair. But if you need a natural dye, in that case you must follow this step by step:
- First, take some green walnut shells, crush them, and then boil them for half an hour.
- Afterward, let it cool until it forms a kind of paste.
- Then, with a cotton ball, apply the mixture to dry hair.
- Finally, rinse it with water and wash it as you always do.
Following this step by step, you will also be able to dye the gray hair that has come out a dark color.
Did you know that walnut shells could be used to fertilize plants?
Great ... I can't say less ... I didn't read any of this before .and I started using walnut shells because in my.town they go to the garbage ... and I said to myself ... if it is at the bottom of wood (because of how hard ) as if I used sawdust ... as a replacement for the vermiculite that I can't get ... and it has served me very well ... the plants grow very well ... I didn't know that they also release essential components ... now I ask those who have them
And I give myself the work of going to look for them ... I process bags for them ... I give them some little things and I have almost free substrate ... I promise to grind it in a box that I made for it with a piston or heavy steel ram ... so I rush the process ... but it's almost free, just work ... a lot of work .the reward ... spectacular
Thanks for the info
Thank you for your comment 🙂
Hello friend I have this idea of grinding to speed up the decomposition process. I have 2 sacks of pecan shells, they are like noes. What use can I give it, just bury it around the silver or something like that ...? I asked a YouTube channel and it told me that it is useless for composting, because its process is slow.
It is true, for quick composting (30 to 45 days) its use is not recommended, since its decomposition is slow; but if you lengthen the composting time (more than 60 days) you will see some results. The best thing to do is to crush it as much as possible, to facilitate its decomposition.
In the same way, you can put the ground walnut shells on the pot, at the foot of the plant (as a bed or protector) and you will see the results. Of course, you should not go overboard when placing them, because an overload is bad; or get impatient, since even if they take time to decompose, the nutrients will be receiving your plant.
Courage and try your luck, since pecans are softer than normal walnuts, you may get results faster ...
Mr said the walnut shells. Attracts mice. That will be true.
Will it serve as feed for livestock?
Hi Ronald.
It's possible. But I'm not sure.
A greeting.
The shell itself. Many times these are left with pieces or pieces of meat nuts that did not come out in a Manuel oecanizado party process
Wow, I hadn't considered gardening it for that ... And I was just getting ready to toss a big bag of shells in the trash!
Thanks for the tips, in this quarantine time I will put them into practice!
Greetings!
Hi Amitiel.
You do well not to throw them away 🙂 I'm sure they will be useful to you.
Regards!
Thanks for sharing the blog post, it helps a lot!
Thank you, Arthur, for your comment.