From the page: The shell that turns into gold in the garden
Idea 5
Shells for garden seedlings
Before seedling trays were sold in stores, rural families were already sowing directly inside half an eggshell. The shell is porous, lets air circulate and also releases calcium to the roots as the seedling grows. And best of all: the seedling goes into the earth with its "little house" along, without any transplant stress.
What you need
- Eggshells opened in half (the most intact possible)
- Ice tray, muffin tin or cardboard egg box (to keep the shells steady)
- Sifted soil or light substrate
- Garden seeds (lettuce, arugula, basil and tomato do very well)
- Small spoon or coffee spoon
How to make it
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1
When cracking the eggs, tap with the knife near the tip so that more than half the shell remains — the depth holds the soil and moisture for longer. Rinse inside and let dry.
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2
Fit each shell into the little hole of the ice tray or egg box: the support keeps them from tipping over and keeps everything together, easy to water.
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3
Make a tiny hole in the bottom of each shell with the tip of the knife, from the inside while still dry — it ensures the water doesn't sit and rot the root.
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4
Fill three-quarters of the shell with damp soil, without pressing too much: a seedling's root needs fluffy soil to spread.
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5
Drop 2 or 3 seeds per shell and cover with a thin layer of soil, roughly the height of the seed itself.
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6
Water with a sprayer and keep near a window. When the seedling is about 8 centimeters tall, lightly crack the shell and plant everything together in the pot or bed.
Finishing touches
Write the plant's name on the shell itself with pencil or pen — it becomes a natural label. If you want faster germination, cover the tray with plastic wrap for the first few days to create a little greenhouse.
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