Make eggshell seedling pots to sprout your garden for less

I’d like to plant a seed in your wallet. All green thumbs (and a few green fingers) know that sprouting seedlings instead of buying store-grown plants saves you nearly 90% on your gardening costs. But how do you sprout peas, squash, and tasty tomatoes when there’s still a chill outside?

Easy peasy, people. The answer can be found on your breakfast table, at the farmers’ market, or in your compost heap. Do I have you walking on eggshells? Eggscellent.

To sow some extra savings this gardening season, go ahead and crack open a tossed eggshell and make your own seedling pots — your budget will thank you.

8 Reasons to get cracking:

1. The entire eggshell starter pot is biodegradable.
2. Cost for the eggshell planter is $0.00 — they’re free if you eat eggs.
3. Eggshells contain soil-happy minerals, such as calcium and other earthy nutrients.
4. Eggshell seedling pots are pet safe and kid friendly.
5. Starting seeds inside (in any container) gives you a huge headstart on your garden, far before the last frost.
6. Sprouted seeds are heartier and stronger when planted.
7. Sprouting indoors lets you cull the weakest seedlings and remove the ones that failed to germinate.
8. It’s a fun project for the kiddlets.

Gardening Tip: Want to grow a garden but don’t know how to start? Check out How to Build a Square Foot Garden for the easy-to-follow instructions.

If you’re looking for a little seed money, here’s how to make your own frugal seedling pots by using everyday eggshells:

Gardening: Eggshell Seed Starters

You’ll need a few good eggs and some gardening tools to get this job done. But don’t worry, most items are likely already stocked in your kitchen or somewhere in your home.

Stuff you’ll need:

• seeds (saved heirloom seeds, etc.)
• eggshells
• egg carton
• potting soil
• spoon
• awl, needle, or thumbtack
• knife
• pot and stove
• natural soil-safe crayons or finger paints (optional)
• spray bottle (optional)

Instructions: How to plant seedlings in eggshells

STEP ONE: Prick a pinhole. Using a thumbtack, gently punch a small drainage hole in the bottom center of each shell. Make the hole large enough so it won’t get clogged by soil or roots.

STEP TWO: Chop the top. Remove the top 1/3 of the eggshell using a small knife to gently pick away at the shell. Take care not to damage the bottom of the egg.

Topper Tip: Lightly tap the top of the egg, and then pick your way down. Cutting carefully with a sharp serrated knife may work too.

STEP THREE: Make dinner. Empty the raw egg from the shell into a bowl. Make an omelet or save for scrambled eggs for dinner. Yummy.

Inspect eggshells for leftover debris, and let them dry.

STEP FIVE: Protect eggshells. Place each eggshell in a cardboard egg carton (or a small pot) for support.

Egg cartons serve as a frugal base for up to 12 eggs.

Creative types may like miniature clay pots or fancy decorative planters.

STEP SIX: Spoon soil. Fill 2/3 of each eggshell with potting soil.

Gardening Tip: I used nutrient-rich soil from my finished compost. See How to compost without raising a stink for simple steps even apartment dwellers can follow.

STEP SEVEN: Plant a seed. Add a seed to the soil. Always follow the recommended seeding depth on your seed package, and be aware of the average germination time.

Gardening Tip: Many people buy seeds from a store each season — and that’s OK. But if you’ve invested in heirloom seeds, be sure to save them for years to come! Check out How to save heirloom tomato seeds for the uber frugal and totally tasty steps. Note: Saving seeds only works for heirloom varietals.

STEP EIGHT: Add sunlight, water. Place eggshell seed starters in a warm and sunny location.

Keep the soil moist (but not soaked) by watering regularly. Watch your seedlings sprout!

STEP NINE: Make your mark. Using natural soil-safe crayons or natural finger paints, gently label the outside of each shell with the type of plant seeded.

Decorating eggshell seedling pots is a fun project for the kids, plus you’ll teach then about gardening.

STEP TEN: Get planting. Once your sprouts have sprung and the frost is forgotten, go ahead and plant your eggshell seedling pots in some freshly tilled soil in your garden.

When planting, give each eggshell a gentle (yet crushing) squeeze — you want the seedling roots to easily find the fresh soil.

Gardening Tip: You don’t need a big (or small) square foot garden to plant fruits and vegetables. Back when I lived on a ledge (OK, in an apartment block with a skyrise balcony), I grew my own food using a method called container gardening. See 11 Fruits and Vegetables You Can Grow in a Pot for the steps.

Your Turn: Are you growing a vegetable garden this season for food or just for fun? What do you plant?

Happy sprouting!
Love,
Kerry