Even if the soil outside isn't warm enough to start planting, you can jump-start your garden by planting seeds in empty eggshells. This quick project from the April/May 2011 issue of Country Woman magazine is especially fun for young gardeners.
Materials:
- Uncooked eggs
- Potting soil
- Seeds
- Bowl
- Liquid Soap
- Paper towels
- Metal spoon
- Pin or tack
- Colored card stock paper
- Clear tape
Directions:
- Make a base to hold each shell by cutting card stock into a 1 ¼-in. x 5-in. strip and wrapping it into a ring sized to fit your eggshell. Trim length if needed and tape in place.
- With spoon, carefully crack the egg in a circle near its upper third and remove top, aiming to keep the lower portion intact without cracks.
- Remove egg white and yolk, saving for another use. With liquid soap and warm water, carefully clean the shell. Place upside down on paper towel to air-dry.
- With pin or tack, carefully poke a small drainage hole in the bottom of the shell. (It's easier if you poke from the inside out.)
- Spoon soil into the shell until it's half-full. Place some seeds on top and cover with a little more soil.
- Place shell in card stock ring base and set on top of paper towels to absorb water. Add a small amount of water. Put in a cool, sunny place indoors; water regularly.
Once your sprouts are up, you can plant them in a pot or outdoors. Before planting, crack the shell slightly to allow roots to grow through.
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