Using egg cartons to start seeds is a great option. Not only does this method repurpose a common household item, but it also promotes sustainability and helps reduce waste.
One of the reasons using egg cartons is one of my favorite ways to start seeds is because it’s free! I already spent the money buying the eggs and I am all about saving a buck! The convenience and price is hard to beat, throw in germination and healthy seedlings and I’m hooked.
Let’s dive into how to use egg cartons to start seeds!
Benefits of Seed Starting
There are multiple benefits to starting your own seeds. While you can purchase starts from your local nursery it is more expensive, especially for crops where you only get one big harvest like cabbage and Broccoli.
When you start vegetables, fruits, and flowers from seeds it provides you with a wider selection of plant varieties than what you can purchase starts for.
Starting seeds will allow you extend your growing season if you live in a cooler climate with shorter summers or in a warmer climate with a shorter cool season. It also allows you to harvest your crop sooner than directly sowing the seed in the soil.
Gather Materials
You will need:
- Empty egg cartons
- Seed-starting mix
- Seeds of your choice
- A spray bottle for watering
- Optional: A tray or shallow container to hold the egg cartons
Prepare the Egg Cartons
Cut the lid off the egg carton and keep it aside. Poke at least one hole in each cell for water drainage. Ensure your seed starting mix is moist but not water logged. Fill each cell with seed-starting mix or your choice of soil, leaving about 1/4 an inch of space at the top. Take the egg carton lid and stack it under the egg carton to assist with catching excess water from the carton.
{Related Post: Make Your Own Seed Starting Mix | 3 Must Try Easy Recipes}
Plant your Seeds
Now that we have the egg cartons filled with soil we can start planting the seeds. Follow the instructions on your seed packets for the correct planting depth. Generally, I like to plant one or two seeds per cell to increase germination probability per cell. Gently press the seeds into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil.
Using egg cartons for seedlings is a cost-effective and sustainable way to begin your garden. However, not all seeds are suitable for starting in an egg carton. Here are some types of seeds that are well-suited for starting in an egg carton.
Best seeds to start in egg cartons:
- Herbs: Herbs are generally small and compact, making them ideal for egg carton seed starting. Examples include basil, cilantro, parsley, thyme, and oregano.
- Lettuce and Greens: Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula, and kale are good candidates for starting in an egg carton. They don’t need a lot of space initially.
- Flowers: Many flower seeds, especially those of smaller varieties, can be started in egg cartons. Marigolds, nasturtiums, and petunias are examples of flowers that work well.
- Tomatoes and Peppers: Can be started in an egg carton. once they grow large enough, transplant them into larger containers.
- Strawberries: Strawberry seeds can be started in egg cartons, and once they’ve germinated and grown a bit, they can be transplanted into a larger container.
The seeds you can start in egg cartons is not limited to this list. Different crop and varieties grow at different rates so you need to ensure that you are potting up in a timely manner, when needed.
Caring for the Seeds
It is very important to keep the soil moist to allow germination. Using a spray bottle, mist the soil to provide moisture without disturbing the seeds.
Ensure that your seedlings receive adequate light for healthy growth. Place the egg cartons in a well-lit area, preferably near a sunny window or under grow lights.
Monitor and Transplant
Keep a close eye on your seedlings. Once they have developed their first true leaves and are strong enough to handle, it’s time to transplant them into larger pots.
It is common for the seedlings to get “leggy”, where the stems grow long, as the seedling is reaching for the light. When transplanting you can bury the seedling deeper in the soil so a good portion of the stem is buried.
Keep In Mind
Seed starting with egg cartons is a sustainable, cost-effective, and easy method for kickstarting your garden. By repurposing a simple household item, you can contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach to gardening.
Utilizing cardboard cartons work but keep in mind that because they are cardboard they will deteriorate the longer the seedlings are kept in them and the more water is used.
From personal experience the cardboard cartons were able to stay together long enough to get to the point of needing to transplant. If you will be starting seeds that have a long germination time starting seeds in plastic egg cartons may be the way to go.
