Spring is just about here! Especially for you northerners, we know you're itching to get your hands in the soil and begin growing your favorite veggies. Now you can jump start your spring garden by starting your seedlings indoors using recycled eggshells, which are loaded with nutrients for your plants.
- Organic dirt (especially if you're growing edibles)
- Egg carton
- Plastic wrap
Here's how you do it
1. While you're making Sunday brunch, carefully crack your eggshells. First gingerly tap the top end of the shell (the narrow end) until it cracks. Then use your knife to softly open the hole so it's wide enough for seedlings to grow. Pour out the egg. Then rinse out the shells. (In the photo below, you can see the size of the hole you want to make.)
2. Spoon dirt into your egg shell.
3. Plant your seeds and water. Remember there aren't any drainage holes in the shells, so be sure not to overwater. Place your shells in te egg carton, cover with plastic wrap and place in a sunny window.
4. Keep an eye on the seedlings and water when the dirt gets dry. Also watch the light. The chives I grew liked the light but some seedlings won't like direct sunlight.
5. When your seedlings have grown enough, carefully crack the bottom of the shells and place the shells directly in the ground.
If you want to make a decoration for your home as you watch the seedlings sprout, draw a mouth and stick googly eyes to the egg. Glue or tape paper to a toilet paper roll, cut it in thin strips and draw a bow tie on it. Then stick your egg inside the toilet paper roll. Watch as your silly little egg man grows hair. (Bonus: This smaller container takes up less space.)
Another way to decorate using the shells is to arrange them on a plate of rocks and place them on a side table in a sunny spot in your house.