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.

Related post: Observing Seeds

Starting Seeds 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.

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

Other Recycled Containers To Try For Starting Seeds

Here are some other recycled items that make great seed starter containers:

• egg cartons
• egg shells
• yogurt containers
• ice cube trays
• pudding cups
• margarine tubs

What types of seeds do you start indoors? What containers do you use?

More Seeds Resources

Starting  Seeds Indoors

Seeds Unit Study Resources

Square Foot Gardening

Observing Seeds