March 7, 2024, 3:34 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
There are special seedling pots available in stores where you can germinate tomato seeds on the windowsill before planting them outside. However, you can easily make a seedling aid yourself.
Many household items go straight to the trash when they’re no longer needed. This is usually the case with egg cartons. However, plant enthusiasts can repurpose the packaging for starting plants on the windowsill. You can learn how to repurpose egg cartons for seedlings in the “Easy Garden” series by myHOMEBOOK.
What You Need for Seedlings in an Egg Carton
For growing plants in an egg carton, you only need a few items:
- Egg carton
- Scissors
- Seedling soil
- Spray bottle with water
- Seeds of your choice (such as tomatoes, peppers …)
Step-by-Step Instructions
The seedling container is ready in just a few steps. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut off the lid of the egg carton with scissors
- Fill the indentations in the carton with seedling soil
- Place seeds in the soil (follow the instructions on the packet)
- Moisten with the spray bottle
Also interesting: How to repot plants cleanly with a trick
Then place the mini seedbed in a sunny spot–such as a south-facing windowsill. The soil should always be kept moist. After some time, the first seedlings will appear.
To simulate a greenhouse effect, you can also cover the egg carton with a plastic bag–as in our mini greenhouse. This ensures higher temperature and humidity. However, the seedlings should still get enough air. Here you can find out what to consider when starting plants. Have fun crafting!
Also interesting: When not to reuse old egg cartons
By the way: This mini-project is also great to do with children. As the first seeds sprout and germinate, you can watch together as the plant grows until you finally plant it outside–usually after the Ice Saints.