March 27, 2012
Every now and then, my inner Martha appears and I get the itch to do something crafty. It all started with something I saw on Pinterest. Yes, I’m totally addicted. Seeing the photo of the end product sparked a little fire inside me and I had to make the eggs. These eggshell seedlings really got me because I thought they would be sprouted perfection settled into vintage egg cups on my Easter table. I prefer the “au naturale” approach for my Easter table, often using real grasses and plants. If these egg shells work, they would be a great addition to my Easter table.
I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to crack the eggs (boy, we ate a lot of eggs last week), fill the cup and select the right seeds. It wasn’t too labor intensive and I’m motivated to make more— that’s always a good sign.
Now, we will have to wait and see if these little babies sprout some greenery so I can place them on the Easter table mixed in with flowers. Post binge (oh, I mean brunch) these little eggs can be favors we give to the families attending. They can take home a small part of my garden and plug them right into their own garden or herb containers.
You will need:
(12) Eggshells
Egg carton
Dampened potting soil
Seeds (choose ones that sprout quickly like thyme, chervil and chamomile)
Scissors
Spoon
Note: Eggshells are the perfect vessels- they add valuable nutrients, such as calcium to your soil. Fast growing seedlings quickly deplete the surrounding soil of calcium, so the eggshells are not only cute, but beneficial.
To get your shells:
Wash outside of eggs.
Smash pointy side down on counter (carefully).
Tilt egg and crack smashed point on counter to loosen top of shell.
Peel top off the smashed and now cracked shells (reserve eggs for another use, eggs for everyone!)
Extract as much egg as you can out of the shell and then wash the inside out.
Carefully use scissors (or garden shears) to cut a wider and even opening.
Using a teaspoon, fill each shell with dampened soil, leaving about 1” at the top. Scatter seeds on top of soil. Place one additional small spoonful of soil on top and gently pat down.
Place back in the egg carton and cut the center off the carton lid. Affix aviary or pliable chicken wire or string over the top and contain it around the carton with a large rubber band. Now, your eggshells are safe from the birds.
Make sure you place the carton in a place that the eggs will get at least 6 hours of sunlight. And water carefully with a spray daily, misting only 2 days after the day you seed.
