Crushed Whelk Shells – Large Bag (Approx. 11kg)
Description
A simple but effective finishing touch for your terracotta pots. See below for how much I suggest you require per pot - and other questions answered.
These sustainably sourced crushed whelk shells are recycled, washed and dried on the coast of West Wales, creating an attractive natural mulch that looks particularly at home alongside terracotta planters. Their soft, chalky tones beautifully complement the warm colours of clay, helping to give pots a more established and considered appearance.
Beyond their decorative appeal, crushed whelk shells offer a range of practical benefits. Use them as a top dressing on containers to help retain moisture during warm weather, suppress weeds and reduce soil splash after rain. They can also be incorporated into compost mixes to improve drainage and aeration – particularly useful when growing Mediterranean plants, herbs, succulents and alpines in terracotta pots.
Whether scattered around a collection of aged Tuscan pots, or added to a freshly planted terracotta container, these shells provide a clean character and a different look to traditional stone pot toppers.
Key Features
- Approx. 11kg large bag - covers a circa 55cm container planting area
- Attractive natural top dressing for terracotta pots
- Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Improves drainage and aeration when mixed into compost
- Ideal for olives, herbs, succulents and Mediterranean planting
- Sustainably sourced and produced in the UK
- A beautiful alternative to traditional gravel or horticultural grit
Questions
Free Delivery & Discounts
I have included delivery in the price to make things as simple as possible. These bags can be sent through the post however due to the weight, each bag must be dispatched individually.
Because I can dispatch bags of shells with a pot order, when you order a terracotta pot online, you have the option of adding these to your order at a discounted rate.
How Much Do I Need?
I suggest a layer 2-3cm deep if you wish to use these whelk shells as a mulch to conserve moisture or to deter slugs from your pots.
As a guide, one large bag (approx 11kg) will cover a large pot with a 55cm wide surface area (taking away the outer rim of the pot).
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Like any aggregate or even a terracotta pot, shells placed in damp or shaded areas may turn green. For best results, use them in sunny spots – a south-facing position is ideal.
Pet Safe?
Shell on Earth is a natural garden landscaping product made from recycled whelk shells. As a natural seafood by-product, some pets may initially be attracted to the smell of the shells when first opened.
The product is not intended for consumption. We recommend supervising pets during initial use and discouraging ingestion. Most pets show little interest once the shells have settled into the garden.
As with any non-food garden material, if your pet consumes a large quantity or you have concerns about their health, please seek veterinary advice.
Mixing Into Soil
Definitely. Mixing them into compost helps to improve drainage and aeration - especially useful for succulents, Mediterranean plants and bulbs like tulips.
Good For Slugs?
Many customers have reported great results using shells to deter slugs and snails. However, no method is 100% effective – determined pests will sometimes find a way!
