Here we discuss three easy ways to use recycled containers for seed starting (that’s not toilet paper rolls).
Let’s Dive in…
Seed Starting with Recycled Containers
Seed starting in general is a great way to save money.
However, buying countless of seed starting domes or trays can add up costs.
Good thing seeds don’t care what they are planted in.
You can easily save even more money by upcycling everyday containers you receive from grocery store items.
Here are three great containers you can recycle for seed starting:
- Egg Cartons or Cupcake Cartons
- Berry Containers or Plastic Meat Trays
- Yogurt Cups or Solo Cups
Although perhaps not the most creative, these three containers were picked because they are some of the most common grocery store packaging across the board and hold up the best to seed starting duties.
Plastic containers work best! Paper or cardboard are really susceptible to mold and mildew.
Tools you need to start your seeds in recycled containers:
- Seed starting soil or general potting soil
- Grow light or large window
- Heat mat
- Your recycled containers
These recycled containers can still function on a heat mat. So, for seeds that need warm soil to germinate (tomatoes, peppers, etc) any of these containers will do well.
You do not need to cover seeds to get them to germinate. You can use recycled tops to use as a makeshift dome, however it’s not needed.
Seed Starting with Egg Cartons or Cupcake Cartons and Seed Pellets
Egg cartons or cupcake cartons are shaped similarly to the point you can use either one.
Plastic cartons work best, since they are less likely to succumb to mold or mildew.
Seed pellets by themselves should be cheap with a small box costing about $2-3 (depending).
Simply place the seed pellet puck in each hole and allow to fill up with water.
Place 2-3 seed per pellet and place under strong light.
If needed, place carton on a heat mat to increase soil temperature for better germination.
Once seeds grow into their first true leaves, up pot to a bigger container.
Seed Starting with Berry Containers, Meat Trays and Soil
Berry containers do really well with cluster seeding.
Cluster seeding is simply planting your seeds in groups rather than single.
Cluster seeding is helpful with vegetables that are easy to transplant, which are usually vegetables that have thicker stems.
Berry containers can hold seed pellets but it’s nicer to use potting soil in them.
Vegetables that do good with cluster seeding:
- Tomatoes
- Corn
- Cabbage and broccoli
- Eggplant
- Melons
- Peppers
- Pumpkins
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
To name a few.
Seed Starting with Yogurt Cups or Solo Cups and soil
It’s nice to save these recycled items for when you need to up pot your seedlings into a bigger pot.
Since they are usually deeper than the previous recycled items mentioned, these don’t do as well on a heat mat and are best for up potting seedlings.
Both yogurt cups and solo cups are extremely useful since they are able to hold bigger seedlings.
When up-potting seedlings, you can also switch to standard compost or potting soil.
Transplanting seedlings should be taken with care.
You don’t want to up pot a seedling until it’s grown some true leaves, which is their second pair of leaves.
Any time before this, the root system is usually too fragile to handle.
After transplanting, your seedlings can usually rest in the solo or yogurt cups until it’s time to plant outside.
That’s it!
Seed starting does not have to look pretty and seeds don’t care what they are planted in.
So long as you give them good soil, water, light, and their preferred temperatures, using recycled materials to get your garden going is usually just as successful as seed starting trays or domes.
Enjoy!
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