Starting seeds indoors is an essential step for gardeners looking to get a head start on the growing season. While there are many commercially available seed starter pots, these can be costly and contribute to plastic waste. Fortunately, there are plenty of household items you can repurpose into DIY seed starter pots, allowing you to reduce waste, save money, and enjoy a more sustainable gardening experience. This article explores ten creative and eco-friendly DIY seed starter pot ideas, encouraging you to think outside the box and make the most of what you already have at home.
1. Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are a fantastic option for seed starting. They are readily available and can be easily cut into individual cups. Here’s how you can transform them into seed starter pots:
- Materials Needed: Egg cartons, scissors, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Cut the carton into individual cups.
- Fill each cup with soil.
- Plant your seeds according to the packet instructions.
- Water gently and place in a sunny spot.
- When the seedlings are ready, you can plant the whole cup directly into the garden. The cardboard will decompose, providing nutrients to the soil.
2. Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls are another common household item that can be repurposed for seed starting. They are biodegradable and can be planted directly in the ground.
- Materials Needed: Toilet paper rolls, scissors, soil, seeds, a tray.
- Instructions:
- Cut the rolls in half to create smaller pots.
- Stand them upright in a tray.
- Fill each roll with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water carefully to avoid collapsing the rolls.
- Once the seedlings are strong enough, plant the entire roll in your garden. The cardboard will break down naturally.
3. Newspaper Pots
Newspaper pots are a versatile and eco-friendly option for starting seeds. They are easy to make and fully compostable.
- Materials Needed: Newspaper, a small can or jar, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Cut the newspaper into strips.
- Roll a strip around a small can or jar, leaving some paper hanging off the bottom.
- Fold the excess paper at the bottom to create a base.
- Slide the can out, and you have a pot.
- Fill with soil and plant your seeds.
- When the seedlings are ready, plant the pot directly in the garden. The newspaper will decompose.
4. Eggshells
Using eggshells as seed starter pots is a wonderful way to add calcium to your soil and reduce waste.
- Materials Needed: Eggshells, soil, seeds, a tray or egg carton.
- Instructions:
- Carefully crack eggs in half and rinse out the shells.
- Place the eggshell halves back in the egg carton or a tray for stability.
- Fill each shell with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water gently.
- When transplanting, crush the eggshell slightly to allow roots to emerge and plant it in the garden. The shell will provide calcium to the soil.
5. Citrus Peels
Citrus peels make excellent biodegradable seed pots that can be planted directly into the soil, adding nutrients as they decompose.
- Materials Needed: Orange or lemon peels, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Cut the citrus fruit in half and scoop out the inside.
- Fill the peel with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Place the filled peels in a tray to keep them stable.
- When the seedlings are ready, plant the entire peel in the garden. The citrus peel will enrich the soil as it breaks down.
6. Muffin Tins
Muffin tins, combined with paper muffin cups, can be repurposed into a neat and organized seed starting system.
- Materials Needed: Muffin tin, paper muffin cups, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Place paper muffin cups in each section of the tin.
- Fill the cups with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water gently.
- When ready, plant the paper cups directly into the garden. The paper will decompose naturally.
7. Plastic Bottles
Plastic bottles can be transformed into seed starter pots, helping to keep them out of landfills.
- Materials Needed: Plastic bottles, scissors, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Cut the bottles in half.
- Poke drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water carefully.
- When the seedlings are ready, you can either transplant them by carefully removing them from the bottle or plant the bottle bottom directly in the ground and cut away the plastic.
8. Yogurt Cups
Yogurt cups are the perfect size for seed starting and can be reused multiple times.
- Materials Needed: Yogurt cups, soil, seeds, a drill or nail for drainage holes.
- Instructions:
- Clean the cups thoroughly.
- Poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
- Fill with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water gently.
- Transplant the seedlings to your garden when they are ready.
9. Ice Cream Cones
Ice cream cones are a fun and biodegradable way to start seeds.
- Materials Needed: Ice cream cones, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Fill the cones with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water gently.
- Plant the entire cone in the garden when the seedlings are ready. The cone will decompose and add nutrients to the soil.
10. Milk Jugs
Milk jugs are large and sturdy, making them ideal for larger seeds or multiple seedlings.
- Materials Needed: Milk jugs, scissors, soil, seeds.
- Instructions:
- Cut the top off the jug, leaving a few inches for a container.
- Poke drainage holes in the bottom.
- Fill with soil.
- Plant your seeds.
- Water carefully.
- When the seedlings are ready, transplant them to your garden.
Conclusion
Repurposing household items into seed starter pots is an excellent way to practice sustainability and reduce waste. These ten DIY ideas not only help you save money but also encourage creativity and resourcefulness. By using items you already have at home, you can give your garden a head start while contributing to a greener planet.
Motivation
We’d love to hear from you! Share your creative seed starter pot ideas and gardening tips with us. Let’s inspire each other to grow a greener world together!