Here are 3 Free Containers to start garden seeds!

It’s that time of year out here in Eastern Iowa! With an average last frost date of mid May, it’s time for me to start seeds for my garden. I am itching to get back in the dirt and starting seeds is a nice way to ease back into it!

Last year was the first year that I ever started my own seeds. I had mixed results, honestly. I got some spindly little plants that didn’t fare well once I transplanted them to my garden. This year, I’m trying again. I’ve been reading online about different types of containers to start seedlings in, and couldn’t decide which one to use.

So, I chose to use them all!

We’ll call it an experiment of sorts and see which one fares the best. I’m so excited that all three containers for my garden seeds were free! I used all of these:

1. Egg Cartons

2. Egg Shells

3. Toilet Paper Rolls (or paper towel rolls or wrapping paper rolls!)

I love these ideas because this stuff is either trash, compost, or recyclables. It’s much better to re-use things, in my opinion! And each of these seed starting containers can be planted directly in the ground to decompose around my plants. They were easy to find in my house…and easy to prepare and plant, too!

Here’s how you can start your own garden seeds in free containers:

Pick your container of choice.

I cut the toilet paper rolls in half and put them in a plastic shoe box.

A lot of sources I saw said to cut the bottom of the TP roll and fold it over, but I skipped that part. I like to live dangerously…

Egg shells need to be rinsed, but the egg cartons don’t need special preparation, unless you’d like to put a few small drainage holes in them. As I said, I like to live dangerously. I will very carefully water with a spray bottle to avoid over watering, so I opted for no drainage holes.

Get some potting soil and wet thoroughly before filling containers.

Use a spool or fingers to fill the containers. I love my daughter’s dirty hands, but I’m weird like that.

Add your seeds. I pushed the bigger seeds into the dirt a bit, but the smaller seeds, I just let hang out on top. The seed packet directions should help you decide what to do.

I also had ONE of these plastic tray thingies left over from last year, so I used it too. Make sure you label your seeds somehow, so you know what you get. Trust me on that. I ended up with 2/3 cherry tomato plants last year because I didn’t label correctly…

Then, cover your plants with plastic or glass and place in a warm area. The experts recommend 70-80 degrees for optimum seed germination. You might want to use a grow light bulb to warm up your area. I don’t have one yet, but will get one later today. Don’t you love my DIY seed starting station?! Hey, it’s better than nothing…

And then wait! Most of my seed packets said the seeds should germinate in 3-5 days! I’ll post pictures next week to show you how things are growing.

What do you start your seeds in? I’d love to hear how you do it!

Linking up: Mostly Homemade Monday; Frugal Tuesday; What’s in the Gunny Sack; Inspire Me Wednesday; Tuesday Garden Party; Creative Timeout;

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