DIY: Eggshell Seed Pots

Guest blog by Daisy-Nelly Nji




If you are a person who is conscious about the environment, but would still like to take on an easy gardening task this is they DIY for you.

Materials

• ·        Eggshells
• ·        Egg carton
• ·         Potting soil 
• ·        Spoon
• ·         Awl/needle/pin - anything long and sharp
• ·         Knife
• ·         Seeds

Step 1: Prepare the eggshells

Instead of discarding eggshells that you have used, keep them in a carton to do this task and be eco-friendly. Carefully crack the top third of the egg. You can do this by tapping the egg on the edge of a bowl, or tapping with a sharp knife. Empty out yolk from the eggshells and wash them out well. You can also put in the microwave for a minute to kill any potential pathogens.

Step 2: Add drainage

Make a hole that will provides drainage, so the roots of your plant don't drown. Take the empty eggshell, and poke one hole in the very bottom with your sharp object such as a pushpin. 

Step 3: Add potting soil

Using a small spoon, fill the eggshell with moist potting soil.

Step 4: Add seeds

Think about the amount of light you have available in your home and garden, and use seeds that will thrive in these conditions. Plant your seeds according to directions on the seed package.

Step 5: Enjoy

After you have planted the seeds, you can simply put the eggshell back into the carton. The carton provides a stable base with room for drainage, is further re-used and r-cycled, and it also looks darn cute.

About the Author

Daisy-Nelly Nji is a senior journalism student at the University of Maryland. She is a multi-platform journalism major in the Philip Merrill College of Journalism. This spring, she is an editorial intern at Washington Gardener Magazine.

This is a monthly guest blog series on DIY projects for the beginning home gardener. Look for the other installments in this DIY blog series by putting "DIY" in the search box here at washingtongardener.blogspot.com.