From Kitchen to Garden: Sustainable Crafts With Eggs

With Canadians spending more time at home this spring, there’s never been a better opportunity to think about how we can do more with less—not to mention, find new ways to keep our families healthy and entertained! That’s why we’re taking a cue from our friends at Egg Farmers of Canada, who have come up with some sustainable ways to welcome the gardening season and, helpfully, keep the kiddos busy, using one of the most versatile ingredients we have on hand: eggs!

Beyond being an incredibly nutritious, delicious ingredient (we serve them up on the daily—and not just for breakfast, either!), eggs are a climate-smart choice and a sustainable food staple. In fact, Canadian egg farmers have a tremendous track record, having decreased the industry’s footprint by 50 per cent over the last 50 years. Plus, they’re easily repurposed in family-friendly home and gardening projects as they’re packed with calcium carbonate, an essential element that helps green things bloom! There are many ways you can celebrate the season by taking eggs from the kitchen to the garden—including the following seed-starter upcycling activity, which saves eggshells from being discarded and, rather, puts them to work helping plants grow.

Eggshell Seed Starter Kits

You’ll need:

Eggshells
Egg cups
Potting soil and spoon
Plant
Awl/needle/pin (anything long and sharp)
Knife
Seeds

Instructions:

Carefully crack the top third of the egg by tapping the egg on the edge of a bowl. If you choose to dye your eggs, complete this step after. Empty out the eggshells completely—be sure to use the eggs to whip up your favourite recipe, of course! Wash the eggshells out well with water. Poke a hole in the very bottom of the empty eggshell with your sharp object (this hole provides drainage so the roots of your plant don’t drown). Using a small spoon, fill the eggshell with moist potting soil (if the potting soil is dry, spray it with water from a spray bottle as you fill the eggshell). Add seeds according to the directions on the seed package that you purchase. After you have planted the seed, put the eggshell planter into the carton if you wish. Expose your plant to sunlight and watch your plant grow!

Tip: seed-starters can be made using natural brown and white eggs, or elevated using natural dyes to add a pop of colour. For instructions on how to dye your eggs using the fruits and spices you have on hand click here.

Besides giving this fun DIY activity a try, join us and Egg Farmers of Canada in celebrating spring and the versatility of Canadian eggs by sharing your favourite egg projects and recipes using the #CanadianEggs hashtag and tagging @eggsoeufs. Talk about an egg-cellent tribute to the season! —Vita Daily

eggfarmers.ca