How to Plant Tomato Seeds in Eggshells

If you are looking for a fun and eco-friendly way to start your tomato garden, why not try planting your tomato seeds in eggshells? Not only is this a great way to recycle your eggshells, but it also provides your tomato seedlings with vital nutrients to help them grow healthy and strong. Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Before you begin, you'll need to gather the materials you'll need for this project. You'll need eggshells (cleaned and dried), potting soil, tomato seeds, a spoon, and a tray or seed starting tray to hold your eggshells.

Step 2: Prepare Your Eggshells

The first step is to clean and dry your eggshells. To do this, simply rinse your eggshells under warm water and let them dry overnight. Once they are dry, use a spoon to gently tap a hole in the bottom of each eggshell. This will allow for proper drainage later on.

Step 3: Fill Your Eggshells with Soil and Seeds

Next, fill each eggshell with potting soil, leaving about a 1/4-inch gap at the top. Place 1-2 tomato seeds in the center of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. You can also label each eggshell with the name of the tomato variety if you are planting multiple types.

Step 4: Water and Set in Tray

After planting your seeds, give them a gentle watering. You don't want to soak them, but you do want to make sure the soil is moist. Place the filled eggshells in a tray or seed starting tray so that they are easy to move around and won't tip over.

Step 5: Place in Warm Location

Tomato seeds need warmth to germinate, so place your tray in a warm location. Ideally, you want the temperature to be around 70-80°F. You can use a seed heat mat to provide consistent warmth or simply place your tray near a sunny window or in a warm room in your home.

Step 6: Watch for Germination and Growth

After a few days to a week, you should start to see your tomato seeds sprouting. As they grow, make sure to water them regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaking wet. You can also fertilize them with a tomato-specific fertilizer to provide extra nutrients.

Step 7: Transplant to Garden

Once your tomato seedlings have grown to about 6-8 inches tall, they are ready to transplant to your garden. To do this, simply crack the bottom of the eggshell and plant the whole eggshell and seedling into a hole in your garden soil. The eggshell will provide extra nutrients to your young tomato plant as it grows.

Planting tomato seeds in eggshells is a fun and easy way to start your tomato garden. Follow these simple steps and you'll be enjoying fresh, delicious tomatoes in no time.