Can you use egg cartons to start seeds?

You can use egg cartons as a seed-starting tray! Depending on the type of carton you have, you can even cut apart the individual sections and plant them, as the carton will biodegrade. Be sure to poke small holes for drainage, and put the cartons on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any residual water.

What seeds can I start in egg cartons?

Big seeds such as beans, corn, squash, cucumbers, and sunflowers are easy to handle and germinate rapidly. Half gallon-size milk and juice cartons – Great as holders for smaller cartons or cups.

How do you germinate seeds in a egg carton?

Can plants grow through egg cartons?

If you used a cardboard egg carton, you can cut the cups apart and plant the whole cup right in the soil! The cardboard will disintegrate and return back to the ground. If you go this route, it's a good idea to cut some slits in the cardboard cup to make it easier for the roots to expand as the plant grows.

Can you start seeds in plastic egg cartons?

You can start the seeds in just about any kind of container, but egg cartons do double duty by not only recycling, but separating your seeds into little planting pods.

Starting Seeds in Egg Cartons

How long does it take for egg cartons to decompose?

Carbon-rich materials are also often known as “brown materials”. Depending on your climate paper egg cartons will take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to decompose.

What can you start seeds in?

You can start seeds in almost any type of container, as long as it's at least 2-3" deep and has some drainage holes. If you are the DIY type, you might want to grow seedlings in yogurt cups, milk cartons or paper cups. I prefer the convenience of trays that are made especially for seed starting.

Can you start tomato seeds in egg cartons?

You can take those seeds or try some other vegetable or fruit seeds to start in an egg carton seed starter. I like to use tomatoes because they're easy to grow and don't take up too much space in the garden.

When should I start my seeds indoors?

In general, you should start seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the average last frost date in your area.

How do you start a plant from an egg carton?

Take your Styrofoam egg carton and use a knife or other sharp implement to poke holes in the bottom of each cell. Fill with potting soil. Lightly fill each egg tray cell with potting soil. Read the instructions for each kind of seed you plan to grow.

How do you use eggshells as a seed starter?

Can I use potting soil to start seeds?

You can definitely start seeds in potting soil. Vegetable seeds such as tomatoes, cabbage, and pepper germinate easily in potting soil.

Can you start carrots in egg cartons?

Introduction: Starting Seedlings in an Egg Carton

If you're looking to get a head start on planting spring crops [which tend to be root crops (including carrots, beets, and radishes), leafy greens, broccoli, and cauliflower], you should begin your seeds indoors in the winter cold.

Does fruit last longer in egg cartons?

Berry Saver To keep strawberries fresh longer, store them in a cardboard egg carton. It allows air to circulate around the fruit better than if berries are left in the containers in which they're typically sold.

Can you plant two tomatoes in one hole?

Have a little bit wider hole, put together 2 plants, but very close to each other, stick their stems with the tape and after 2-3 weeks they were like one plant at the bottom. So I just cut the less vigorous stem of two and let this tomato-tree grow approx. on the same area underground.

What is the best way to start seeds indoors?

What can I use as a seed tray?

Are egg cartons toxic?

Dangerous Salmonella bacteria may stick to the cardboard of egg cartons, causing a serious danger to children and others with weak immune systems.

How do you disinfect cardboard egg cartons?

If you don't clean your eggs at all, you may want to think about limiting your cartons to a single reuse. Another option would be to use foam cartons, and clean them each time before you use them. A quick wipe down with vinegar should be all it takes to sanitize them.

What can I do with empty egg cartons?

Why is there a cardboard tube in my planter?

Just open up the little slits at the bottom and plant it, tube and all. The cardboard will disintegrate slowly and help to add nourishment to the soil. Cardboard is also like a worm magnet and brings them to the soil, which helps to aerate the soil. What is this?