update! Well, I did a test planting, and that little sweet pea is looking amazing in the ground where it will live. Tomorrow I'll plant the rest, and one more little pea raised its pretty head.

Whoever gave me the idea of planting seeds in egg shells I salute you! the shells give back!!

your welcome....keep us posted as to how they do, the egg shell will disolve over time. Did you remember to poke a hole in the bottom of the shell first for drainage. Good luck and enjoy your peas!

Here is the sad update. My little test plant (which I now know I planted too soon) bent it's two little leaves to the ground and never recovered. So the rest, in the egg carton kept growing. I waited for 2 sets of leaves to appear, and THEN I put them in the ground. They now have more leaves and are obviously happy and growing. Except...

There were two late "hatchers", and I let them wait. But outside. I wanted to acclimate them to the night air. HUGE mistake! I am a triple murderer now!! Those two egg shell babies, nestled in the egg carton were sitting on the edge of the jacuzzi, where there is sun in the day!

Last night as I slept, a big wind came up... I woke up thinking I would go give them a drink, and they were no place to be found... Until I glanced in the jacuzzi! OMG!! The shells were broken, the egg carton was floating upside down, and I murdered two precious little seedlings!!

Lesson learned!!

When I boil eggs I usually take a butter knife with egg in palm of my hand. I whack the egg in about the middle and it cuts a pretty straight cut thru the egg. Then I pry out the two halves and mix them up with mayo and spread on toast.
and, throw away the egg shells!

Now, I know better. And, there is no raw egg to wash out of the shell. Just fill and plant. Time to give this a try.

Oh, wow... I might become a boiled egg whacker, too... Hmmmm... It cuts pretty straight like that, huh?... I have to try germinating in egg shells. I figured the egg shell wouldn't be big enough for them, but it sounds like it works well. I do veggies, and I'm pretty sure squash would outgrow the shells in a couple of days time.... I don't know about other veggies, though... Hmmmm (again)...

Blessings,
Angela

Update! They are all 4-6" tall now, and are doing just fine! I'm thinking they will bloom in March. I can't wait! I love their sweet scent!

My latest project is starting habanero peppers and greek peppers in my little egg shell hatchery! Peppers are pretty tough. They are easy to transplant, and you can even Bonsai them. They are perennials and can live over 40 years. I currently have a 2 year old 4'tall Jalepeno, and it is full of blooms and produces continuously.

I need the habanero for 2 things. One to make this great hot chili caramel sauce for ice cream, and to keep my son happy when he comes over. Nothing is ever hot enough for him!! I intend to pickle the greek ones for pepperoncinis.

I want to start some marigolds to plant around my roses because I heard they keep the aphids away... That's the next project for sure!!

Isn't this fun?

Try to harden off those sweetpea seedlings before you put them out in the fierce calif. desert sun and cool night.
Put them in the early morning sun, then put them in the shade. Repeat for a week or two... the harsh sun got them without acclimating. glad your sweetpeas are doing well.
I'm trying to figure out here in NJ zone 6 when to put my seedlings out.. 4 sets of leaves already.. it's st. patty's day weekend, and they've been out in the cold frame for a week or so. any suggestions?