This year I am starting some seeds indoors using eggshells as my 'pots'.
I am excited to be planting some heirloom varieties this year.
Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds offer such wonderful choices.
They have graciously given me some seeds to work with.
Chestnut chocolate tomatoes...yes please!
A hot pepper that undergoes chameleon-like color changes...just look at the purple color on the package.
Kale is an absolute favorite of mine, but I have never grown 'red kale' before. This one is called kale scarlet, and has me very excited!
Are you intrigued? Order your free seed catalog here.
So, let's get the seeds planted...
Think ahead when cracking the eggshells that you will be using for this project. Try to crack the egg more toward the top (pointy side), allowing for a bigger planting area.
Rinse out the shell and let dry.
Using a pin or needle pierce the bottom of the shell to create a drainage hole.
I marked right on the shell what seed I was going to plant.
Put the eggshells into an egg carton that has the lid removed. This will make it easier to place on the window sill.
Using a plastic spoon, fill the eggshells with a seed-starting mix.
Use the top of the spoon to make a hole in the center. Follow the directions on the back of the seed packet for planting. Generally speaking, drop in 2 or 3 seeds and cover lightly with soil, allowing light to assist germination.
Use a spray bottle to mist water onto them. Always keep the soil moist, but not saturated.
Place them in a sunny window, rotating the containers every couple days to promote even growth.
At the proper planting time crack the bottom of the shell slightly and plant the entire shell along with the seedling into the ground. The shell is biodegradable.
Oh Lori, this is an ingenious idea! I'm going to save my eggshells. And, the seed varieties you are planting look amazing. My best to you, Pat xx
ReplyDeleteWe grow our sunflowers this way every spring and summer. We always have plenty of shells and the soil really eats 'em up! Looking forward to seeing your seeds sproutin'!
ReplyDeleteYou're invited to share this wonderful outdoor post on The Maple Hill Hop!
That trip sounds wonderful Teri. I would LOVE to visit the LIW site and Baker Creek. I think I could make an entire vacation of it ;-) I hope you start a little kitchen garden and share it on your blog!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tutorial! I want to grow more flowers in the garden...I'll have to do this pretty soon.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lori Leigh. Thank you for sharing the information for your readers.
ReplyDeleteSuper cute idea! I've never planted in eggshells but might have to give this a try!!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I use Baker Seeds for many of our seeds. I love them! Second...these egg shells are such a great idea! I will need to give them a try. After all...I do have an abundance of eggs!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I have never had a lot of success at starting plant, and usually end up at the local nursery and buy there's :)
ReplyDeleteLove the egg shell method. I used to start mine inside too under grow lights I never seem to have enough sunlight in the same window so it kept me from moving them at all times of the day. Hope yours do well :)
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