Yes they can! A generous top dressing of our crushed shells creates a barrier that helps deter fungus gnats from laying eggs in damp soil. If you already have an infestation, we recommend treating that first and then using shells as a preventative.

Absolutely – plants have no trouble growing through the shells.

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!

You can find your local stockist by visiting our stockist page here.

We’d love to hear from you! Please email caryl@shellonearth.co.uk ; company name, registration number, VAT status, location.

Use our handy coverage calculator - at the bottom of this page - to work out the right amount for your project.

Like any aggregate, shells placed in damp or shaded areas may turn green. For best results, use them in sunny spots – a south-facing position is ideal.

Up until 2016 we had a licence to return shells to the sea, but when this was discontinued we were tasked with finding a more sustainable solution. After some years of research and development, Shell on Earth was born in 2019 – turning what was once a by-product into a useful, eco-friendly resource.

At the moment we only sell online and at occasional events. Keep an eye on our social media for event updates!

Yes! Simply select ‘Pickup’ at checkout. Collections are available from our New Quay or Crymych sites by prior arrangement:

• We’ll email you when your order is ready and arrange a convenient time

• Collections are normally Monday–Friday, 9am–2pm (excluding bank holidays)

Yes! They make a great top dressing for houseplants - just make sure the soil isn’t waterlogged, as shells don’t absorb moisture.

Yes - they are natural and non-toxic. For peace of mind, we recommend supervising curious pets until they get used to them.

Definitely. Mixing them into compost helps to improve drainage and aeration - especially useful for succulents, Mediterranean plants and bulbs like tulips.

Not in any significant way. The shells would need to be milled into a very fine powder to have any immediate effect on soil pH. In their crushed form, they’re safe to use with most plants - even those that prefer slightly acidic soil.

Large or heavy orders may be split into multiple parcels due to weight restrictions. They can occasionally arrive on different days.

At the moment we only deliver within the UK mainland (excluding certain postcodes listed on our shipping page).

Once your order is dispatched, DPD will email or text you with a delivery slot - you can then reschedule to a day that suits you.

Yes - they’re a by-product of our family’s seafood processing business. By repurposing them, we prevent them from going to landfill and give them a second life in your home and/or garden.

Our bags are fully recyclable and/or compostable, and we’re committed to reducing plastic wherever possible. To minimise waste, we sometimes package orders using reused materials – including paper filler or vegetable starch filler (100% compostable). This way, we keep packaging out of landfill and give materials a second life.