How to Use Chalk in the Garden

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (1 Ratings)

The number one component of chalk is calcium carbonate or limestone, but it also contains elements of silica, quartz, feldspar and other minerals. While chalk is a handy tool for playing and drawing, chalk can also be a useful tool in the garden. The absorptive and mineral qualities of chalk make it useful in many ways in your home and garden. Read on to learn more.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Place several pieces of chalk in your tool box to keep your garden tools from rusting. No powdered mess and no rust, the chalk will quickly absorb any moisture in your tool box or on your metal tools.

Step2

Sprinkle powdered chalk around your plants, berries bushes and vegetable garden. Chalk nourishes the soil and helps to repel ants, slugs and other garden pests.

Step3

Clean your marble bird bath, statues, terracotta pots and other garden decor with powdered chalk. Add enough water to powdered chalk to create a think paste. Apply the paste to a damp sponge or soft cloth and rub it in a circular motion onto your marble, ceramic or clay garden decorations. Once clean, rinse with a hose and buff dry if desired.

Step4

Remove rust, dirt and build up from your metal garden tools by making a water and chalk paste. Apply the past to a firm bristled toothbrush and scrub your tools. Rinse and dry your tools thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

If you don't have chalk powder, you can crush a piece of chalk into a fine power using a mortar and pestle. If you do not have a mortar and pestle, you can place a piece of chalk in a strong plastic bag and firmly crush and powder the chalk with a rolling pin.