Eggshell Seed Starter Pots

Get a jump on your spring planting with this eco-friendly Eggshell Seed Starter Pots Project.

Homemade Eggshell Seed Starter Pots Project

When it comes to DIY starting trays or pots, there’s nothing better than this low-cost project: Eggshell Seed Starter Pots.

This project uses discarded halved eggshells that are filled with potting soil and your favorite seeds or plants.

It’s a fun spring weekend DIY project that you can do to get your vegetable garden started with little start up cost. But more importantly, it’s an eco-friendly planter that will give a jump to getting your garden started, especially if you live in northern climes.

The fact is, eggs are perfect for being a starter or starting pot. Think about it. Easter comes each year around the time of planting, so it goes without saying that all of those eggshells used for hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, or used in baking can also be used in your garden.

Benefits of Using Eggshells

Here are some quick facts about eggshells that you might not know:

• Eggshells are made of calcium carbonate which is the same ingredient used for some antacids.
• Eggshells are great for composting.
• They can also be used to get rid of such pests as slugs and snails.
• Or if you’ve got too many eggshells, why not use them to make art like these beautiful Eggshell Mosaics.

Eggshells Are a Great Fertilizer (Video)

What to Grow in Your Eggshell Starting Pots

Here are just a few ideas of what to grow in your eggshell starting pots.

• grass seeds
• succulents
• vegetable seeds
• tree seeds
• strawberries
• herbs

RELATED: More Ways to Use Eggshells

Step-by-Step Eggshell Starter Pots

Here’s a handy how-to to grow plants in eggshells. Be sure to check out the step-by-step video tutorial, too.

Supplies You Will Need

• Cleaned Half Eggshells
• Potting Soil
• Seeds or Succulents
• Mini muffin pan or paper egg carton

Instructions

1. Gently clean your eggshells with soap and water and rinse them with a 50/50 solution of bleach and water.

2. Use a discarded egg carton or mini muffin pan to keep your eggshells upright.

3. Next fill each empty eggshell with fresh potting soil, leaving a bit of space at the top for watering.

4. After that, plant your seeds or succulent plants and gently water them to get the growing process started.

5. Then place the eggshells in sunlight to allow the seeds to germinate.

6. And, don’t forget to keep the potting soil damp.

7. Once seedlings have emerged, you can place these, eggshell and all, into the ground or raised planting bed. It’s best if you crack the shell a bit to allow the roots to emerge. This will also help the eggshell to start to decompose and fertilize the soil. Happy Planting!

Starting Seeds in Eggshells (Video)

For more planting, lawn care and garden tips and ideas, visit Wisconsin Homemaker’s Garden Section.