We’ve still got snow on the ground, but it’s a good time to thinking about your garden and get some seeds started indoors. It’s simple and fun and it’ll save you some cash. If you don’t have a garden patch in your yard, there’s a lot you can grow a lot with containers on a porch or balcony. There are tons of ways to start seeds, but using eggshells is a great way to recycle. Plus they’re nice to look at, and they’re fantastic fertilizer.
Supplies: eggshells, needle, spoon, seeds, potting soil, plant hardiness zone map/calendar (available on seed packets and online)
1. Check out what growing region you live in and decide what you want to plant and when.
2. Treat your friends to giant omelets (they can repay you later by helping plant your garden). Save and rinse the eggshells.
3. Using a big needle, poke a hole in the shell to allow for drainage. I found it easiest to do this while the eggs are in the container.
4. Fill them most of the way with your soil.
5. Plant your seeds and put a little more dirt on top.
6. Use a waterproof pen to label the eggs.
7. Give your little seeds a spritz of water.
8. Place the seeds where they will get the appropriate amount of light. Cross your fingers.
Tips:
– If you’re not a planner or you just missed your window to start your plants, don’t worry. It can be fun to just wing it and see what happens.
– Extra large or jumbo work best.
– It’s very easy to over water seedlings, which leads to moldy pots of dirt and/or death of your seedlings. That’s why I’m trying a spray bottle this year.
– I mostly started veggies but did a few flowers as well. Little sprouts in eggshells should make a good Easter or Mother’s Day gift.