How to Start Seedlings in Egg Shells

Maggie from Family Frugal Fun is sharing how she repurposes egg shells and uses them to start her seedlings.

If you’re into growing some of your own food then you know its time to start your seeds. This year instead of purchasing a seed starter kit, try saving your egg shells for a week or 2 and making your own DIY FREE seed starter kit like I did. The calcium is an excellent natural fertilizer for plants. Let me tell you the benefits and how it works.

I started by simply cracking my eggs (for breakfasts or recipes) about 3/4th way up (as opposed to in half). Then I’d pop them back into the carton and save the shells until I’d have an 18 pack or 12 pack ready to use as my seed starter. The eggshells are used as planters for the small seedlings and are then placed directly into the ground for planting after popping the seed and starting it as usual.

Once you’re ready to plant you just make a small drainage hole in the bottom of the empty eggshell, with a pin. Now, add soil and put it in an open egg box . Sow the seeds and care for them as you would any other seedlings just like you’ve always done. The shells will provide a natural slow release fertilizer for your seed as it germinates since they’re full of natural calcium. When the seedlings are ready to transplant into the garden, squeeze the shell gently to crack it and then place it in the ground and plant as usual. The roots will push through the cracks in the shell which will decompose naturally.

Eggshells are also know to promote beneficial works in garden and keep away slugs and some other pests.

Maggie is a stay at home mom. She runs Frugal Family Fun with her best friend Beth. She’s addicted to savings, s’mores and ice cream! You can also find them on Facebook.