Egg Shell Seed Starters: A Fun Kid's Craft
Looking to test your green thumb? We've got a great way to kickstart your gardening season by sprouting seeds in egg shells! This is a trick we egg farmers have been using for years, and now we're excited to share it with you. Get ready for a delicious harvest right from your garden, starting with your very own seedlings!
What You'll Need:
1 dozen eggs
Egg carton
Bowl
Potting soil
Knife
Spoon
Permanent marker
Seeds
Instructions:
Step 1: Hollow Out the Egg Shells
Carefully crack the eggs at the pointed end using a knife. Gently tap the shell with the knife's edge to create a small 'cap.' Pour the egg contents into a bowl to save for cooking later. If you want to freeze the eggs for future use, separate the yolks and whites as you go. Give the egg shells a quick rinse, then place them back in the egg carton.
Wondering what to do with all 12 eggs? Try making one of these tasty frittatas:
Step 2: Add the Soil
Place the empty shells in the egg carton and begin filling them with potting soil. To minimize mess, do this over a bowl. (Tip: Crush the tops of the shells into a fine powder using a blender and mix them into the soil for added nutrients.)
Tip: Check the potting depth instructions on your seed packets! Different seeds require different depths. For example, pumpkin seeds need a depth of about 1.5 cm, while mint seeds only require a few millimeters.
Step 3: Add the Seeds and Label the Shells
Drop a few seeds into each egg shell. Be sure to follow the spacing requirements on your seed packets. Some egg shells may hold only one large seed, like a pumpkin seed, while others can hold several smaller seeds, like carrots or mint.
To keep track of what you've planted, label each shell as you go!
Step 4: Top Off with More Soil
Cover the seeds with a bit more potting mix.
Step 5: Water, Sunshine, and Patience
The final step is to give your seedlings plenty of water and sunlight. Add water to each shell—either by holding them under a gently trickling tap, using a small watering can, or even a DIY option like a water bottle with a hole poked in the lid.
Egg cartons are great for this project because they fit perfectly on most window sills! Place yours in a sunny spot and remember to water every day or two to keep the soil moist.
Sprouts on the Way!
Are you watching your seedlings grow? Depending on the seed varieties you've planted, some may sprout in just a few days, while others may take up to a week. Once your seedlings have established a good root system—usually after a week or two—they're ready to be transplanted outdoors, weather permitting.
Before moving them to your garden, carefully crack the egg shells and remove the bottom part, then plant the seedlings directly into the ground. Do this step in the garden to avoid any mess.
Tip: If you're doing this activity in the spring, make sure it's warm enough outside for your seedlings to survive. Frost can be harmful, so if you expect chilly weather, consider transplanting them into larger pots until it's safe to plant them outdoors.
