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Make your garden and potted plants less appealing to irksome critters with pistachio shells.
Spread them as a thick top dressing around outdoor plants to deter squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons from digging in the soil.
Pistachio shells can also be used to deter slugs and snails – but only if they’re salted. Create a blockade against slimy gastropods by sprinkling the shells in a line around individual plants or the entire perimeter of the garden.
Indoors, pistachio shells can be added to houseplant containers to prevent our furry friends from messing with our beloved greens.
5. Fire Kindling
The woody composition of pistachio shells makes them quite useful for fire making.
To start or revive a dying fire, toss a handful or two of pistachio shells to get things going.
Pistachio shells are a great kindling for enclosed fire pits and wood stoves.
Before adding them to an open campfire, it’s important to note that nut shells – including pistachio – contain fats that pop and sizzle when exposed to high heat:
Give open fires plenty of space after adding pistachio shells.
You can also make a fire starter by crumpling pistachio shells up in newspaper before tossing it in. This will help stop them from jumping out of the flames.
6. Crafting
Ingenious crafters have uncovered numerous ways to incorporate pistachio shells into their DIY projects.
Because of their curved shape, pistachio shells can be made to look like beautiful flowers that will never wilt and die:
Try your hand at this gorgeous hanging succulent garden – from Addicted 2 Decorating.
Or a bright and cheery painted floral wreath – from Craft Shack Chronicles.
Create a decorative tree for that bucolic look – from Handimania.
Make an array of lotus candle holders – from Instructables.
You can also wear your pistachio shells with this lovely ombre necklace – from Crème de la Craft.
7. Compost
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