Gardening can be an enjoyable and eco-friendly activity, especially when you use items already around your house for starting seeds. If you're looking to save money and reduce waste, this guide will show you how to creatively repurpose household items into effective seed starting trays. This method is particularly beneficial for gardeners in regions with short growing seasons, like the Netherlands, where the growing period might be as brief as 100 days.
Getting Creative with Household Items for Seed Starting
1. Tupperware Bins
We often use Tupperware for storing food, but these containers are also excellent for germinating seeds. They can be filled with compost or vermiculite for sowing seeds, or used for a simple and efficient germination method with peas. Just layer some paper towels, place the peas on top, cover with another layer of paper, wet thoroughly, and seal with the lid. Your peas will sprout in about 5 to 7 days!
2. Repurposed Food Containers
Many of us buy food that comes in plastic containers, like Greek yogurt, which typically comes in 500ml pots. These containers are fantastic for starting small vegetable and flower plants. My partner Nicole uses them for growing Gladiolus, and I use them for tomatoes and peppers. Just remember to poke a few holes in the bottom to aid water drainage and prevent root rot.
3. Milk Cartons
Milk cartons, lined with aluminum foil, are sturdy and can be reused for multiple sowings. To prepare a milk carton for planting, simply cut off the top and poke a few drainage holes in the bottom. Adjust the height based on the plant's root depth needs. However, avoid planting these directly in the garden as they do not decompose easily.
4. Egg Cartons
Instead of throwing out your egg cartons, turn them into seed starters. Fill the compartments with compost to sow seeds directly into them. For added stability and to fit more compost, you can also use the lid portion. Keep in mind that the thinner cardboard versions might tear easily, so the sturdier boxes work best.
5. Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls are the perfect diameter for a modern module tray cell. They can be used at full length for deeper-rooted plants like peas or cut in half for smaller plants. For a creative touch, vary the sizes to make your seed starting setup more visually interesting.
6. DIY Toilet Roll Pots
A clever design I found on Angelo Dorny’s YouTube channel involves folding the sides of toilet rolls inwards to create a base, preventing compost from falling out. Simply flatten the roll, make a few strategic cuts, fold, and moisten to glue the sides together. Let them dry for a day, and you have a biodegradable pot ready for planting.
Creating these toilet rolls is really as easy as it seems. Push the roll flat and fold it in half. This way we can see our cutting lines. Start with the outside folds and cut about 1,5cm (0,5”) deep. Moving on with the center fold, also a 1,5cm (0,5”) cut. Unfolding the toilet roll we can push the created flaps on each other. Now all we need to do is glue the paper by making it wet. Wet toilet rolls are easy to mold. Let them dry for about 24 hours and they will keep their shape.
Start Your Seeds Early and Economically
By starting your seeds indoors using these DIY methods, you can extend your growing season significantly. This is crucial in areas with shorter warm periods, ensuring that your garden is lush and productive throughout the year.
Thank you for reading! If you have any of your own creative ideas for seed starting, feel free to share them in the comments below so we can all learn and benefit.