Grow Hens and Chicks in Shells

Succulent alpines are a group of plants that really allow you to be creative. Tolerant of drought, they flourish in thin, poor soils, and will grow in nooks and crannies that are too small for other plants. All they need is a free-draining soil and shelter from heavy rain.

When to Plant: Spring
At Their Best: Spring to fall
Time to Complete: 30 minutes

Materials Needed:

• hens and chicks (Sempervivum)
• soil-based potting mix for succulents
• spoon
• large seashells

Clean the Shells

Wash the shells you plan to use with hot soapy water, or soak them for an hour in baby-bottle sterilizing solution.

Pack Shells With Soil

Using a spoon, fill the shells with the potting soil and tap it down. Water the plants well before planting them. To do this, stand them in their pots in a bowl of water for 15 minutes, take them out, then allow them to drain.

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Plant the Houseleeks

Remove the hens and chicks from their pots and plant them carefully in the shells. Use the spoon handle to push more soil between the plants and to cover the roots. Water well and set the shells on their sides so that rain will drain away freely.

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