Can I Use Cardboard Egg Cartons for Starting Seeds?

Egg cartons are an inexpensive recyclable choice for starting seeds.

Cardboard egg cartons are a cost-free alternative to conventional peat pots and seed-starting trays. They are constructed very much like peat pot strips and can be taken apart easily once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted.

Planting the Seeds

Egg-carton sections are shallow and work best with smaller seeds. Poke drainage holes in the bottoms, fill them with soil as you would any other small container and plant the seeds according to the packet directions. Mist lightly and place the egg cartons in a sunny location.

Transplanting

Once the seedlings have emerged, separate the egg-carton sections and replant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. You can also remove the soil from the carton material before transplanting.

Benefits

The cardboard used for egg cartons is completely recyclable and biodegradable. It will decay in the soil and can also be added to the compost pile.

References

• Readers Digest: Gardening Secrets for Starting Seeds
• Families.com: Using Egg Cartons in the Garden
• Iowa State University Extension: Containers for Starting Seeds
• Compost This:

Resources

• Farmers Almanac: Starting Seeds Indoors