What To Do With Walnut Hulls

Walnut hulls can be used in plenty of practical and creative ways around your home and garden instead of being tossed in the trash.
 
If you’ve ever cracked a batch of black walnuts and ended up staring at a pile of dark, staining hulls, you’ve probably wondered what to do with walnut hulls.
 
The good news is that those hulls are far from useless.
 
They’re packed with tannins, juglone, and natural dye compounds that make them handy for everything from crafting to pest control.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best things to do with walnut hulls so you can put every bit of that harvest to work.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

What to Do With Walnut Hulls: Practical Uses Worth Trying

There are plenty of answers to the question of what to do with walnut hulls, and most of them cost you nothing but a little time.
 
Here are the most useful options to consider.
 

1. Make a Natural Dye for Fabric and Wood

One of the most popular things to do with walnut hulls is turning them into a rich, lasting dye.
 
Walnut hulls are loaded with juglone, which produces deep brown and black tones on fabric, yarn, and even wood.
 
Just simmer the hulls in water for an hour or two, strain the liquid, and soak your material until you get the shade you want.
 
This is a favorite trick among crafters who want an earthy, antique look without harsh chemicals.
 

2. Create an All-Natural Wood Stain

If you’re into woodworking, walnut hulls make an excellent homemade stain.
 
Brew a strong batch of hull tea, then brush it onto bare wood and let it dry.
 
The tannins soak in and leave a warm, aged finish that looks like it came straight from a professional shop.
 
Repeat the process for a darker tone, and seal it once you’re happy with the color.
 

3. Use Walnut Hulls as a Natural Pest Repellent

Here’s a clever answer to what to do with walnut hulls if you garden a lot.
 
The juglone in walnut hulls is toxic to many insects and even some plants, so you can scatter dried, crushed hulls around garden beds to deter pests.
 
They’re especially useful against ants, beetles, and slugs.
 
Just be careful not to spread them near tomatoes, peppers, or other juglone-sensitive plants.
 

4. Make a Healing Tincture or Salve

Walnut hulls have been used in traditional medicine for centuries as an antibacterial and antifungal remedy.
 
You can steep them in alcohol to make a tincture, or infuse them in oil to create a salve for minor skin irritations.
 
Many folks use these preparations for treating fungal issues and soothing rough patches of skin.
 
Always do a small patch test first since walnut hulls are potent stuff.
 

5. Add Them to Your Compost Pile

Another simple option for what to do with walnut hulls is composting them, though you’ll want to do it thoughtfully.
 
Because of the juglone, it’s best to compost hulls separately for a year or two before adding them to sensitive garden areas.
 
Once fully broken down, they add rich organic matter to your soil.
 
Just avoid mixing fresh hulls directly into beds where you plan to grow tomatoes or other vulnerable plants.
 

How to Prepare and Store Walnut Hulls

Before you decide what to do with walnut hulls, you need to prep them properly.
 
Here’s how to handle them without turning your hands (and countertops) brown.
 

1. Wear Gloves

Fresh walnut hulls stain like crazy, and the stain can last for weeks on your skin.
 
Always wear rubber gloves when handling them, and cover your work surface with old newspaper or cardboard.
 

2. Dry Them Thoroughly

Spread the hulls in a single layer on a screen or tray in a dry, well-ventilated spot.
 
Let them air-dry for one to two weeks until they’re completely brittle.
 
Dried hulls store well and are much easier to crush or grind later.
 

3. Store in Airtight Containers

Once dry, toss your walnut hulls into paper bags or airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dark place.
 
They’ll stay usable for dyeing, tinctures, and pest control for a year or more.
 
Label the containers so nobody mistakes them for something edible.
 

Safety Tips When Working With Walnut Hulls

Knowing what to do with walnut hulls also means knowing how to handle them safely.
 
A few simple precautions keep the whole process easy and mess-free.
 

1. Keep Away From Pets

Walnut hulls, especially from black walnuts, can be toxic to dogs and horses if eaten.
 
Store your stash well out of reach and clean up any scraps that fall on the ground.
 

2. Protect Your Skin and Eyes

The tannins in walnut hulls can irritate sensitive skin and eyes.
 
Wear gloves and safety glasses when crushing, grinding, or simmering them.
 
If you get the liquid on your skin, wash it off right away with soap and water.
 

3. Watch Your Garden Layout

Remember that juglone lingers in soil, so be mindful about where you spread hulls or hull-based compost.
 
Keep them away from vegetable beds that host tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
 
Plants like hostas and most grasses usually handle it just fine.
 

So, What to Do With Walnut Hulls?

What to do with walnut hulls really comes down to how much time and creativity you want to invest.
 
You can dye fabric, stain wood, repel pests, make a healing salve, or simply compost them for future soil.
 
The key is to dry, store, and handle them safely so you get all the benefits without the mess.
 
Next time you crack a batch of walnuts, don’t toss those hulls, put them to work.