Starting Seeds Recycling Project

It’s that time of year again. Even though the temperatures outside might be chilly, it’s time to think about those summer gardens and flower beds. You could wait for spring and buy vegetable and flower plants or you could start seeds indoors.

Starting seeds indoors is not complicated and it doesn’t require any high-tech or specialized equipment. In fact, you probably have the main supplies you need at home right now. When I plant, I only want to spend money on seeds and maybe good potting soil if it’s too cold to dig top soil. Recycled containers work great for starting plants.

starting seeds recycling project - The Homeschool Scientist

Starting Seeds Indoors In A Soup Container

Some people get soup at Chick-fil-A and think “Wow. This is really good!” My thought was, “This container would be perfect for starting seeds!” As it turns out, it is!

We usually start tomatoes, peppers, tomatillos, and flowers indoors in February and March, so they will be ready to move outside when the weather warms enough for them to survive. My son chose to start flowers in my Chick-fil-A soup container, since he’s not a veggie fan.

First, we filled the container about 2/3 full of potting soil. Then, my son randomly sowed the seeds and patted them gently into the soil. He watered the soil and seeds with a spray bottle rather than pouring water. This helps control over-watering and uncovering of the seeds.

We placed the lid on the container and set the container in a sunny window. The plastic lid keeps the water in and prevents the seeds from drying out. It, also, keeps the seeds warm. Poke a small hole or two, as well, to drain water.

When the seedlings emerge, we will take the lid off and water as needed with the spray bottle so they won’t be damaged. After the seedlings get a couple inches high, we will thin them by spreading them out into other containers.

When the weather is warm enough during the day, we will move our trays to a shady spot outside (like a screen porch or patio)–definitely make sure you have put holes in the bottom of the containers. If it’s going to be heavy rain, we will bring them in to protect the young plants from “flooding” or too much wind.

The plants should be ready to be planted outside late April or early May.