How To Make Eggshell Seed Starters

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Starting seeds doesn’t have to be expensive or require fancy equipment. You can use materials already in your kitchen—like eggshells or Newspapers —to create natural, biodegradable seed-starting containers.

Eggshells are an eco-friendly option that provides calcium to the soil as they break down. Follow these simple steps to create your own eggshell seed starters and get your garden off to a great start.

Why Eggshell Seed Starters Are Great

Eco-Friendly: Reduces waste and avoids plastic containers.
Biodegradable: The eggshells decompose naturally, enriching the soil with calcium.
Budget-Friendly: Uses materials you already have at home.

What You’ll Need

A Dozen Eggs
A small needle or sharp object (for drainage holes)
Seed-starting potting soil
Seeds (e.g., basil, oregano)
A spoon (for filling the shells)
A carton or tray to hold the eggshells

DIY Eggshell Seed Starters

Crack the Tops: Carefully crack the tops off the eggs, leaving the bottom portion intact to act as your seed container. Gently pour out the egg whites and yolks into a bowl for cooking or baking.

Clean the Shells: Rinse the inside of each shell thoroughly to remove any remaining egg residue. This step is important to prevent mold or bacteria from harming your seedlings. Let the shells air dry.

Using a small needle or sharp object, poke a tiny hole in the bottom of each eggshell. Be gentle to avoid cracking the shells further. This hole will allow excess water to drain and prevent root rot, ensuring healthy seed growth.
Spoon seed-starting potting soil into each eggshell, filling them about three-quarters full. Leave a little space at the top for the seeds. Avoid overpacking the soil, as the roots need room to grow.
Place your seeds on top of the soil, following the depth instructions on the seed packet. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or press them gently into the surface, depending on the type of seeds you’re planting. Common choices like basil or oregano work well in small containers like eggshells.
Place the filled eggshells back into an egg carton or tray to keep them upright. The carton makes it easy to move the seedlings around and provides a stable base while they grow.

How Water and Care for Your Seedlings

Gently water the soil in each eggshell, being careful not to overwater. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the carton in a sunny windowsill or under a grow light, ensuring the seedlings get enough light to thrive.

Transplant the Seedlings

When your seedlings are strong enough to handle and have grown a few leaves, they’re ready for transplanting. Here’s a complete guide on How to Prepare Seedlings for Transplanting.