10 Eco-Friendly Seed Starting Containers for Your Garden

For those of us in the northern hemisphere with green thumbs, planning a garden is one of the most exciting things to do in preparation for the spring season. Whether you have limited outdoor space or just want to get a head start on your veggies and herbs, starting seeds indoors is a great way to get your plants growing before the soil is warm enough to plant outside.

Here are 10 eco-friendly seed starting containers that are not only cheap to make, but also help reduce waste:

1. Folded Newspapers: Use old newspapers to create perfect little pockets for nurturing your seeds.

2. Cardboard Egg Cartons: The individual egg cups make great small planters for your seedlings.

3. Egg Shells: Once you’ve used them for breakfast, wash and fill with soil to plant your seeds in. The shells can be cracked open for transplanting once the seedlings are ready.

4. Jars: Clean glass jars can be filled with potting soil and used as perfect little mini-greenhouses for your seeds.

5. Mini Yogurt Cups: Use individual yogurt containers to grow herbs and small plants that need extra root room.

6. Pastry Containers: Take-out containers with pop-slots can be used as miniature greenhouses for your little seedlings.

7. Paper Cups: Take-out coffee cups make great planters for herbs and smaller seeds.

8. Cardboard Toilet Paper Rolls: Cut vertical slits into one end and fold inwards to create a cup for your soil. These can be planted directly into the ground once the seedlings are ready.

9. Juice Cartons: Slice off the spout top, fill with soil and seeds, and watch your seedlings grow.

10. Cans: Empty cans can be used to grow all kinds of seedlings, and can be painted or decorated to add some personality to your garden.

In addition to using these eco-friendly containers, it’s important to use organic, heirloom seeds and fertilize with organic compost and other natural materials. By avoiding toxic chemicals and saving your seeds for future planting, you can grow your own food sustainably for years to come. Happy gardening!