How to Start Seeds in Egg Cartons – Gardening season is right around the corner and if you’re like me and like to start a bunch of your seedlings indoors, you’re probably always scrambling for free containers to get those seeds started in.
Well consider this your early reminder to start procuring those containers now before it’s too late. You don’t want to have to end up paying for containers that could have just come from your recycling bin!
Egg cartons, take out containers, milk jugs, yogurt and sour cream containers. You name it, they can probably be used to start seeds in. But today I want to talk about recycled egg cartons. And why I love using them to start seeds.
The #1 reason I like using egg cartons to start seeds in is because once the seedling gets established, you can break away a section and plant it directly into your garden. The paper pulp will break down in your garden bed without having to disturb the seedlings.
The only real trick to using recycled cardboard egg cartons is to make sure you keep the seedlings moist at all times. And to make sure you have a tray {or a shallow storage bin works well} to keep the egg cartons in so the moisture from the egg carton doesn’t ruin a table or flooring.
The cartons can get a bit soggy if you overwater them, so be mindful of that.
Starting seeds in an egg carton is simple.
Just fill the cavities with a moist planting medium. I typically use Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix. And plant to the depth listed on the seed packet then cover with moistened soil.
Water as necessary.
And in no time you’re seedlings will be ready to move out to the garden! Just don’t forget to harden them off first. 😉
Looking for more of a greenhouse type set up? Do you shop at Costco, or buy rotisserie chickens in deli department at the grocery store? Last spring I shared how I used a recycled Costco rotisserie container as a mini greenhouse to start seedlings.
It worked like a charm and it was a great way to I wrote about it HERE if you want to check it out.
And another cool and free method I’ve used to start seedlings over the years is to make my own paper pots. You can do this using soup cans {small tomato paste cans work even better} or buy a wooden form that’s sold online. I used to make these all the time when The Girl was younger and eager to help with garden chores.
You can get the full tutorial on how to make paper pots HERE.
Gardening season… it’s right around the corner. I’m sure of it. But for now, I’ll enjoy this last bit of snow while I still can.
Have a great day everyone,
~Mavis
Margo says
I have tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and melons coming up in my seed tray now. Next month I’ll direct sow green beans, corn, squash into my raised beds. There’s something about watching those tiny seedlings sprout that is so exciting. Anticipating a full garden this season!
Anita says
Do you have to put the egg cartons under plant lights?
Anita says
Have you heard of “winter sowing”? There are videos on youtube and a facebook group dedicated to it. Basically, you plant in milk jugs, rotisserie chicken containers, anything that will let in some sun and moisture and act as a mini green house. Set them outside and they will germinate and grow when the conditions are right.
Check it out for another option!
Anita
Anita says
Do you have to put the egg cartons under planting lights? Thanks, Anita
Mavis Butterfield says
I suppose it depends on how much natural light you get. We get a ton of light steaming through our back windows so I don’t need them.
Anita says
Ok, thanks!
Christy says
I like individual yogurt container for seedlings. Punch a small hole in bottom and plant. Keep containers for next year or recycle to save storage space.
Jamie says
What are you thoughts on peat pellets vs. soil mix for starting seeds? I am using peat for the first time this year (I was gifted a bunch from a couple down the street that was moving), and it seems easier/faster to start seeds in them.
Lindsey says
If you live in a cold climate with cool soil conditions, peat pots will not disintegrate quickly and can stunt the growth of your seedlings or even kill them.
Jamie says
Thank you for the response Lindsey! I didn’t know this. I am on the edge of hardiness zone 7, which I think would fall under the warmer climate region.
Lindsey says
I live in the interior region of Alaska, so Zone 2! Peat pots would be just fine where you are, but you can take the extra precaution of slitting open the pots at the top, bottom and both sides so roots can escape. Then it won’t matter if the pots don’t rot away for a season or two.
Mavis Butterfield says
I use peat pellets all the time and I absolutely love them. I don’t use peat pots though because they are too stiff and take too long to break down. The pellets are the way to go.
Vicki in Birmingham says
Mavis, I am curious if you are familiar with Winter Sowing? I read about it last year and it seemed like magic so I decided to try it this year.
Pretty much you just put potting soil for seeds in a container with drainage holes in the bottom and holes in the top like your rotisserie chicken container, or disposable roast/cake pans with a cover, or milk cartons cut most of the way around (and taped back when it is planted) and just put them out in the yard.
The first ones I saw were almost covered in snow…I could not believe my eyes. All the milk cartons have no caps on them so they get rain/snow and all the rest have holes for that same purpose. It is pretty much a do it and forget it til spring when the plants have grown. No need to harden off either. And this method is especially good for the plants that need stratification.
I have several heirloom tomato seed that I was holding out on, but read yesterday that they too can be winter sown.
Maybe you would like to try it along with the seed you plant indoors. Can’t hurt to run an experiment and you may be pleasantly surprised!
Mel says
I’ve never had good luck with biodegradable pots. They always, always grow mold on the outside for me. I think it’s because the area where I put grow lights is so dark, so the top of the plants is the only area that gets any light.
All that said, since we’ve got a lot going on this year, I’m ordering all my plant starts instead of starting them from seed, and I am SO excited by all the work this will save. We won’t have the same variety of plants as we would if we started from seed, but it’s definitely good enough for this year.
Marci D says
Hi Mavis
Long time reader. I have been thinking about growing a potato tower this year. I know you have done this and was wondering your opinion if you would do the potato tower technique again or did you find you didn’t yield good results? The internet rabbit hole is full of conflicting information. If anyone has any advice I would appreciate the feed back.
Trying the Lavender seed starting in the refrigerator I hope it works.
Thank You for all your wonderful inspiration have read your blog everyday for the last 5 years. First time comment
Mavis Butterfield says
Hi Marci,
I’ve tried growing potatoes both ways {towers and in the ground} and while I do think you get a few more spuds when they’re planted in the ground, the towers are a nice option if you are short on growing space.
Marci D says
Thank You! I will try the tower Method.
Jude DeWitt says
Mavis, I use the center tube of toilet paper rolls placed in plastic shoe boxes to start my seeds. They are quick to collect, easily snipped & folded under on one end to contain the seed starter mix, and totally biodegradeable. I fill them during the winter in order to have them ready for seeds when the conditions are right. The roots have plenty of space to develop before transplanting. I’ve found it especially helpful for seeds like peas that don’t like to be transplanted, because the roots don’t get disturbed when put in the ground.
JUDY says
What a great idea. We all have enough toilet paper rolls. Why didn’t I think of that. Thanks for the tip.
Bellen says
As my garden area consists of 6 Earthboxes, for Asian leafy greens, on the lanai I decided yesterday to try planting lettuce in an 18 ct egg carton. I’ll grow it as a microgreen crop and plan on harvesting it at 4″. I live in SW FL and yesterday’s temp was 82, partly sunny and very breezy. I have the egg carton on the lanai table so gets bright but indirect sun. It it goes well I’ll add more egg carton gardens at 2 week intervals to keep me in lettuce