ideas

J U S T H A T C H E D

H O W -T O

Plant an Egg

Delicate eggshells make precious pots for tiny plants such as coleus seedlings,

above,

or small succulents or colorful miniature African violets,

right.

The

eggshell pots can be cracked apart later and the seedlings transplanted.

1. Hold an extra-large or jumbo egg on its side. Tap the pointed end firmly

with a table knife to just break through the shell; turn it slightly and tap

again to remove the “cap.” Use or discard the contents and rinse the shell.

2. Create a drainage hole by carefully pushing the point of a small knife

through the bottom of the shell.

3. Gently remove about half the soil from around the roots of a small plant.

Ease the roots and remaining soil into the shell; add a small amount of soil

to cover the roots.

1 6 APRIL2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS

BY SUSAN APPLEGET HURST; PHOTOS: PETE KRUMHARDT; STYLING: SCOTT J. JOHNSON