There are a lot of different containers you can use to start seeds in, but starting seeds in eggshells gives some extra benefits.

Many people are familiar with using newspaper cups or egg cartons as seed-starting containers, but the eggshells themselves are often overlooked as potential containers. However, they’re great for that very purpose. Starting seeds in eggshells is a very efficient way to get a jump on the planting season as well as put your used eggshells to good use. The eggshells provide a cup for your seeds to sprout in and make transplanting a breeze as you can just plant the entire eggshell in the ground. As an added benefit, when the eggshells biodegrade, they add valuable nutrients to the soil, helping your seedlings all the more.

Starting Seeds in Eggshells Step 1: Cook With Eggs

It’s best to start saving eggshells quite a while before you actually intend to use them, as it will take some time to get enough of a collection to use for seed-starting pots. Every time you make a meal that calls for eggs, try to crack just the top third of the eggs open, and then save all the shells. You can also have friends and family save their eggshells for you.

Starting Seeds in Eggshells Step 2: Wash and Drain

Once you have your eggshells saved up, give them all a thorough soak to wash them clean. Once they’re dry, poke a hole in the bottom with a sharp object such as a knitting needle or something similar. This will provide the eggshells with drainage so your seeds don’t drown.

Starting Seeds in Eggshells Step 3: Plant

Plant your seeds in your eggshells just as you would any other seed-starting container. If you’ve never started seeds before, learn the basics here. And if you’re interested in keeping it all natural, you can find a list of non-GMO seed providers here.

Starting Seeds in Eggshells Step 4: Transplanting

When your sprouted seedlings are ready for transplanting outside, crack each of the shells a little bit. You don’t have to remove the seedlings from the shells, but just ensure they’re cracked enough so the roots can push out through the eggshell. Then plant the entire eggshell and seedling right into the ground. The seedlings’ roots will grow out beyond their eggshells to reach the dirt around them and the eggshells will slowly decompose, depositing the rich, healthy nutrients right onto your freshly planted seedlings. Easy!
Copyright © Amber Reifsteck ~ The Woodland Elf

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