Using crushed whelk shells

GreenBee

Hi folks. I am long time lurker but first time poster.

I was wondering about using crushed whelk shells to make more freely draining compost. I lost a few container plants last year in the spring when we had a lot of rain, I have used horticultural grit in the past but as I find it hard to get hold of and isn't that environmentally friendly I was hoping this by product would be a good substitute. 

JennyJ

I think it would work fine generally, but possibly not for ericacious (lime-hating) plants. I think shells are made of calcium carbonate but I'm not sure how soluble it is.

GreenBee

Thanks @JennyJ I think I will give it a try, it will be for Mediterranean herbs and such like.