What can you do with walnut shells?

Walnut shells are a classic waste product that can be very useful if properly recycled and not wasted. The primary use is undoubtedly in the vegetable garden and garden: once crushed, walnut shells become valuable mulch. Then there are the various ways to transform walnut shells, through creative recycling, into original objects: mini candles, table decorations, small gift boxes. And much more.

Walnut shells for mulch and as fertilizer

Once crushed, the shells can be used as mulch in pots or around plants to retain moisture and discourage weed growth. Crushed shells can also replace expanded clay at the bottom of pots to promote drainage. Once the coldest season has passed, the walnut shells rot in spring, turning into an excellent fertilizer for plants, providing valuable nutrients to various plant species.

Walnut shells in jars

Walnut shells in pots , spread directly over the soil, act as a frost blanket to protect plants from low temperatures. The walnut shell (called the endocarp) creates a thick layer, yet allows the soil to breathe and water to drain away, so plants can still quench their thirst.

Mini candles

You can pour hot wax into the shells to create small, intriguing candles, perfect for lighting on a balcony or terrace, ideal for creating a more intimate atmosphere. You can also make them from leftover candles, so nothing goes to waste.

Table decorations

If you're planning a dinner party with children, or if you simply want to add a touch of fun to the table, you can make some cute little mice that are perfect for accompanying the cheese plate.

• Clean the half shell of the walnut and place it on a flat surface
• Glue them in correspondence with the nose and eyes of the black peppercorns
• Place circles of sugar paste (or other modeling paste) in place of the ears.
• Glue a piece of kitchen string in place of the tail

Christmas decorations

Christmas is the time of year when dried fruit takes over our tables. By reusing walnut shells and gluing them together, you can create Christmas tree decorations. To make one like the one in the photo, simply glue on the eyes and nose (a small red pom pom), then the ears. But first, the ribbon for hanging them.

Small gift boxes

How can you reuse walnut shells ? You can also use them to create small but precious gift boxes . They can easily hold engagement rings, bracelets, or earrings. To make them more suitable for the precious gift they contain, after cleaning them thoroughly inside, spray them with gold (or silver) metallic paint.

Crafts for children

Thanks to their unique concave shape, walnut shells can be used as a base for super creative children's crafts . During the fall, for example, you can transform them into cute boats with seasonal produce. Get:

• 1 walnut shell
• 1 small pine cone
• 1 sprig of wood
• 1 acorn
• 1 dry leaf

Assemble everything as shown in the photo, gluing each piece together with hot glue. Get the children to help: they can pass you all the components one by one.

Message box

We like to think of walnuts as little mysterious treasure chests . Why not paint them gold and insert mini messages in the form of scrolls inside? You could use this creative recycling idea at the end of a dinner party or a party with friends. Each guest will get one, with its own message to discover (a bit like fortune cookies!).

Hair dye

Walnut shells are a popular hair dye. Crushed and boiled in a little water, they become a natural dye to cover gray hair . Simply let the water cool for about 30 minutes, then strain the liquid and pour it over washed and towel-dried hair. Leave it on for about half an hour, then rinse and dry thoroughly. You'll notice how, wash after wash, the gray hair becomes less noticeable.

In homemade soaps

Finally , if you love making homemade soaps , you can make them exfoliating by adding a small amount of finely chopped walnut shells. Packaged in cute packaging, they make excellent gift ideas.

Read also:

• Walnuts: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications
• Walnut oil: properties, benefits and uses
• Homemade walnut liqueur