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.