Simple Eggshell Pots for Sprouting Seeds

Spring Equinox is on its way, when day and night are equal length,
spring officially begins, and images of eggs and fresh green grass are
cheering reminders of the springing up of new life.

At this time of year, many of us are thinking about our gardens and about starting
seeds to plant once the last danger of frost has passed. So we offer
this imaginative idea for handy seed-starters that makes a pretty
equinox decoration. You don’t need to buy trays or pots to start your
seeds when you can use eggshells instead!

We include easy optional directions for sprouting some wheat or rye
grass for a container or window box. When you nestle your eggshells—
with their sprouting seeds—in a bed of tender grass, you will have
created a charming image of spring that the whole family will enjoy.
It’s easy to plant the seedlings later, too. Find out the simple how-to, right here.

To Sprout Rye or Wheat Grass
1. Rye or wheat grass seeds are inexpensive and quick to germinate, and they create a lovely soft bed for Spring decorations. Start them now, to be sure they’re tall enough for your equinox or Easter decorations. Simply line a basket with a plastic bag, fill basket with soil, and scatter seeds on top. Water well and place in a dark warm place until they germinate. As soon as you see sprouts beginning to emerge, put basket in sunlight and continue to keep moist.

2. When the grass in your basket, conatiner, or window box is long enough, place eggshells decoratively here and there in the grass until they are ready to plant in the garden.

To Make Eggshell Seed-Starting Pots
1. Crack the tips off several eggshells, reserving the eggs for cooking. Fill shells with a light soil mixture and one or two seeds (nasturtiums were used in the book), and prick drainage holes in the bottom of each shell with a pin. Keep moist and warm.

2. When seedlings have reached a suitable size, plant them directly in the ground, crushing the shell so the roots can emerge.

Read more: Nature, Lawns & Gardens

Adapted from Windowboxes Indoors and Out, by James Cramer and Dean Johnson (Storey Books). Copyright (c) 1999, by Mary Sears. Reprinted by permission of Storey Books.
Adapted from Windowboxes Indoors and Out, by James Cramer and Dean Johnson (Storey Books, 1999).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Donna H.

1:47PM PDT on May 13, 2012

Thanks for the info.

send a green star

Julie S.

4:55AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Has given me an idea for my stepson to give his diabetic nan for easter. Thanks

Loo S.

10:56PM PDT on Jul 15, 2011

thanks for sharing.

Sheila A.

6:57PM PDT on May 4, 2011

What a great idea!!! I think I will grow some wheat grass.

Jon H.

6:18PM PDT on Apr 20, 2011

This is great! After I plant the egg shell after crushing the shell and planting the plant, I add coffee grounds or used tea bags for the acid loving plants.

Linda J.

9:02PM PDT on Apr 19, 2011

Another good idea - thanks.

Robert O.

4:48PM PDT on Apr 19, 2011

Thanks.

Bon L.

5:14AM PST on Feb 17, 2011

KS G.

4:29AM PST on Feb 8, 2011

Thanks for the article.