It’s never to early to get a jump start on your spring planting. Many people will use seed trays, paper towel holders, or peat pots to start their seeds. One other method to try is eggs. Well, not eggs, but rather, using eggshells to start your seeds.
It is planting season. But, if there is still frost in the mornings where you live, it is a good idea to start your seeds indoors. That helps keep your garden timeline on schedule while protecting those baby plants. An easy way to do this is to use eggshell seed starters.
Eggshell seed starters are just like regular seed starter planters, But they can benefit your garden in different ways.
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BENEFITS OF EGGSHELL SEED STARTERS
Eggshells have long been revered by gardeners to provide nutrients to the soil and serve as fertilizer for the plant. As they grow in the shells, they benefit from both of these, at a very early stage.
But, growing your plants in eggshells offers a couple of other benefits:
- Pest Control. Deer, slugs, and snails all hate eggshells. It is a simple way to keep the pests out of your garden.
- Ease of planting. When time to garden, just dig a hole large enough for your eggshell to fit.
HOW TO START PLANTS IN EGGSHELLS
This is where you get to have some fun. Even your kids will enjoy planting the seeds.
- To begin, you need eggshells, of course. When cracking your eggs for baking or cooking, be careful. You want to have them crack so only the top portion is removed. Then, rinse them out and allow them to dry.
- Use a pin or thumb tack and make a small drainage hole in the bottom of the eggshell.
- When ready to start your plants, add a small amount of seed starting soil and the seed to each shell.
- Water your seeds. Since you do not want to overwater them, try using a spray bottle and spritz water onto the shells.
- Store the eggs in an egg container. Close the lid to kick off the growing. However, as the sprouts appear, open to allow more air in and to prevent molding.
- Keep the shells in the sun. Make sure the soil gets plenty of sunlight to help them grow.
HOW TO PLAN EGGSHELL SEED STARTERS
Planting your starter in your garden is very simple. Dig a hole large enough for your eggshell to fit in and the sprout to be above the dirt line. Crack the bottom of the shell and place it into the dirt.
As the roots grow and take hold, the shell will break further and begin to decompose, adding nutrients to your soil. Continue to water and enjoy your plants!
WHEN SHOULD YOU PLANT YOUR STARTERS?
As soon as the threat of frost has passed for your region, it is safe to plant them in the ground. But, watch out for those late spring freezes! If that happens, cover your plants overnight to keep the frost from damaging your plants.
