Guest
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Apr 04, 2025
11:08 PM
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You don’t need to buy fancy containers to start seeds— your next seedling pot might already be sitting in your recycling bin. From yoghurt cups to toilet paper rolls, there are plenty of everyday items you can turn into eco-friendly seedling containers that save both money and waste.
In this guide, we’ll explore why recycled seedling pots are a great choice, and walk through 10 easy, practical ideas to get your seedlings off to a strong start—using materials you likely already have at home.
Why Choose Recycled Seedling Pots?
There are two big reasons: cost and sustainability.
First, it’s budget-friendly. No need to buy plastic trays or peat pots when you’ve got useful containers lying around already. Second, it’s better for the planet. Repurposing household waste keeps it out of landfills and supports a more circular, low-impact lifestyle—which fits perfectly with the spirit of gardening.
With a little creativity, you can create customized containers that are surprisingly effective for seed germination and healthy growth.
10 Recycled Seedling Pot Ideas
Let’s dive into 10 clever and proven ways to give household items a new life in your garden.
1. Egg Cartons
Perfect for small, fast-growing seeds, cardboard egg cartons are biodegradable and easy to work with.
How to Use:
Use paper-based cartons (avoid plastic or foam).
Poke drainage holes in each cell.
Cut off the lid and place it underneath as a drip tray.
Fill with soil, plant one seed per cell, and water gently.
Best For: Lettuce, kale, basil, arugula, and microgreens.
Bonus tip: When transplanting, you can plant the whole cup directly into the soil—no waste!
2. Eggshells
Don’t toss those shells—use them to start herbs! They’re rich in calcium and minerals that nourish your seedlings.
Tips:
Use a deep half-shell.
Poke a small drainage hole at the bottom.
Stand shells in an egg carton for stability.
Plant, water, and grow!
Great For: Basil, thyme, oregano, and other herbs.
3. Newspaper Pots
Old newspapers can be rolled into biodegradable pots. They’re simple, cheap, and compostable.
Pro tip: Use a newspaper pot maker for easy shaping.
Caution: Avoid overwatering—they can fall apart if too soggy. Ideal for quick growers like lettuce and zucchini.
4. Toilet Paper Rolls
These humble cardboard tubes are surprisingly effective seed starters.
Two Methods:
Cut into small rings, leave the bottoms open, and group tightly in a tray.
Create a base by cutting four slits and folding them in like a cardboard box.
Watering tip: Keep watering light to prevent breakdown.
Great For: Beans, peas, and anything needing a deeper root zone early on.
5. Berry Containers
Plastic berry boxes already come with drainage holes and a built-in lid—perfect mini greenhouses!
How to Use:
Add soil and seeds.
Close the lid for a humid, greenhouse-like effect.
Leave the lid open once seedlings get tall.
Reusable and ideal for multiple growing cycles.
6. Soil Blocks
Soil blocks are a game-changer. No pot needed—just soil, compressed into sturdy little cubes.
What You’ll Need: A soil blocker tool and a good mix (with coir or peat for structure).
Benefits:
No plastic waste.
Excellent root development.
Reduced transplant shock—plant blocks directly in the soil.
Best For: Cucumbers, squash, and melons.
7. Yoghurt Containers
Wash out those single-serve or large tubs—they make excellent plant starters.
Steps:
Poke holes in the bottom for drainage.
Fill with soil and plant your seeds.
Once your seedlings are transplanted, wash and reuse again!
8. Takeaway Coffee Cups
Repurpose your coffee habit into garden gold.
Why it works:
Good depth for root growth.
Cardboard is biodegradable and plantable.
Watering tip: Light watering only—don’t let it get soggy.
Use the cup lid as a drip tray to catch any runoff!
9. Peat or Cow Pots
Though not made at home, these are eco-friendly options made from natural materials like peat or cow manure.
Why they’re great:
Fully compostable.
No transplant shock—just plant them directly into the soil.
Come ready with drainage holes.
Great one-time investment if you don’t have household materials on hand.
10. Plastic Bottles & Milk Jugs
Cut these down to size and they become long-lasting seed-starting containers.
Instructions:
Cut to the desired height.
Create drainage holes at the base.
Plant your seeds and reuse for seasons to come.
Durable and perfect for seedlings that need more depth or longer growth time indoors.
When Are Seedlings Ready to Transplant?
There’s no exact deadline—but a few signs tell you it’s time:
Root Check: If roots are reaching the bottom or circling inside the pot (root-bound), it’s time to move them.
True Leaves: Wait until your seedling has its first set of "true leaves" (at least four total leaves).
Frost Warning: Wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting outdoors, unless you're using a protected indoor system.
How to Harden Off Seedlings
Before transplanting outdoors, acclimate your seedlings with a 7–10 day "hardening off" process:
Start by placing seedlings outside in the shade for a few hours a day.
Gradually increase outdoor time and exposure to sunlight.
After a few days, leave them outside all day (still shaded during peak heat).
They’ll be ready for full outdoor planting once temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) at night.
Final Thoughts
With a little creativity, your home is full of seedling starter containers just waiting to be reused. Just remember to:
Add drainage holes.
Avoid overwatering fragile materials.
Match container size to your plant’s needs.
Whether you're reusing yoghurt cups or investing in a soil blocker, growing your garden from recycled materials is a sustainable—and satisfying—way to get started.
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