Eggshells as seed starters

[txcowgirl]

Somewhere I saw eggshells being used as seed starters. Is this a good idea? Seems like it wouldn't give much room for roots to develop and would all that calcium be good for a baby plant?

I am new to gardening, and will be asking ALOT of questions.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

[Pharmer Phil]

txcowgirl

First..Thats the kind of questions we like..ALOT
I agree with You, it wouldn't take much of a root system to fill an eggshell.

I really think that any type of seedling would outgrow the shell, and need to be removed or perish, before the eggshell would break down enough to effect the seedling though...

As "Green" as this idea is, I can't see an advantage...
Now, on the other side of the coin, many start seedlings in the egg carton, the older pressed paper ones are used, and will break down readily; even then though, seedling size and timing would be key

A VERY good question though Txcowgirl
and we will leave this ....open for debate, I am sure there will be differing opinions

[Tonnymonk]

I have never heard of eggshells as starters, but have put crushed eggshells in the soil or on the soil to benefit the plant. ON the soil- they help stop slugs from getting seedlings. I agree with Phil that the older paper cartons would work to start them. Some people use the styrofoam ones inside and transfer the seedlings out once they are a couple inches tall. Good luck to you on whatever method you decide to use!!

[hollyberrylady08]

Yes I agree with both Pharmer Phil and Botesbabe. I too have used crushed eggshells in the soil to deter slugs and to add calcium. I think the idea is very resourceful, and there's nothing wrong with giving it a try and seeing if you like it. Every gardener has their own personal way of doing things and it's okay. I think it would be really cute to see a little seedling growing out of an eggshell! When it's time to transplant, you could always crack the shell to let the roots through. Neat idea - thanks for sharing.

[txcowgirl]

Thanks for the advice, I am going to try some in eggshells, and some in plastic pots. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. But as they start to sprout, I'll post some pics. Also, glad to know about eggshells keeping the slugs away. I will do that also. We eat alot of eggs, my next project is to get some chickens!

[txcowgirl]

Well, I started my eggshell seedlings (tomatoes) on March 1. Today I transplanted them into larger containers. As promised, here are some pics.





This was really double work, but I wanted to give it a try. Think I am just going to start with the larger containers for the rest of my seeds.

[Garden Happy]

We use the eggs but when we crack them we do it more up at the top and I use a steel large sewing needle to poke a whole in the bottom then put them right back into the egg carton using the bottom for a tray.

I grew out canna's in these,tomato's,peppers,herbs-chives,parsley,stevia,chamomile and nasturtiums.
We also grew out for a science project potato peeling eye's with good results.
Next the kids want to use dyed Easter egg shells and then crumble some for a garden mosaic.
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