20 Upcycled Seed Starter Pots You Can Easily Make At Home

Gardening is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, as more people recognize its myriad benefits, from reducing stress to ensuring access to organic produce. A crucial part of starting a garden, whether indoors or outdoors, is generating robust seedlings. Traditionally, gardeners relied on store-bought plastic pots, but with the move towards sustainability, there’s a growing interest in upcycling everyday household items. This method not only reduces waste but also saves money and adds a personal touch to your gardening space. Here’s a guide to creating 20 upcycled seed starter pots using common items you might already have at home.

1. Egg Cartons

Egg cartons, whether made of cardboard or plastic, make excellent seed starter pots. Simply fill each cup with potting soil and add your seeds. Egg cartons are biodegradable, so the cardboard versions can be planted directly into the ground or larger pots once the seedlings are mature enough. If using a plastic carton, remember to poke holes in the bottom for drainage.

2. Toilet Paper Rolls

Don’t throw away those empty toilet paper rolls! Cut them in half to create two pots. Stand them in a shallow tray to give them stability, fill with soil, and add your seeds. These rolls are biodegradable, making them perfectly safe to plant directly in the ground.

3. Newspaper Pots

Recycling old newspapers into seed starter pots is not only environmentally friendly but also satisfying. To create a sturdy pot, roll the newspaper around a small jar or can, fold the bottom to form a base, and fill with soil. These pots will decompose in the ground as your plant grows.

4. Juice Cartons

Those tetra-pack juice cartons can be turned into durable seed starter pots. After thoroughly rinsing out the carton, cut it to your desired height. Puncture a few holes in the bottom for drainage, then add potting soil and seeds.

5. Tin Cans

Old tin cans can be repurposed beautifully. After removing the labels and washing them, use a hammer and nail to create drainage holes at the bottom. To avoid rust, consider painting the cans or lining them with a plastic bag. They make sturdy containers that can hold the soil securely.

6. Plastic Bottles

Plastic bottles are incredibly versatile. Cut them in half, or even quarter them, to create pots of varying sizes. Make sure to add drainage holes at the bottom. You can even use the top half as a mini-greenhouse by placing it over the soil and seedlings.

7. Ice Cream Tubs

Large plastic ice cream tubs can become seed starter stations. Drill a few holes at the bottom for water drainage, then fill them with soil. The spacious surface area allows you to plant multiple seeds at once, making it easy to transplant once they grow.

8. Egg Shells

Eggshells are perhaps the most delicate yet enriching starter pots. Carefully crack eggs near the top, empty them, and gently clean the shells. Fill each half with soil, plant the seeds, and once seedlings are ready, plant directly into the ground. The eggshell adds calcium to the soil as it decomposes.

9. Coffee Pods

If you use a single-serve coffee machine, you’re probably familiar with coffee pods. These small containers can be rinsed and reused as seed starters. They’re perfect because they already come with a drainage hole at the bottom.

10. Citrus Halves

After enjoying the fruit’s juicy goodness, don’t throw away the citrus halves. Use the empty peels by filling them with soil and seeds. Like eggshells, these are biodegradable and can be planted directly into the garden, enriching the soil as they break down.

11. Paper Cups

Disposable paper cups are excellent options for seed starter pots. Just be sure to poke holes in the bottom for drainage. Not only are they biodegradable, but you can also write the plant name directly on the cup for easy identification.

12. Yogurt Containers

Those small plastic yogurt containers are durable and perfect for reuse. Wash the containers, punch drainage holes in the bottom, and label them accordingly. They are easy to transport and can house seedlings until they are ready for larger pots or the garden.

13. Milk Jugs

Milk jugs are another common household item that can be repurposed effectively. Cut the jug in half or three-quarters, retaining the bottom portion. Punch holes for drainage and fill with potting soil. The top part can be used as a mini greenhouse if placed over the soil.

14. Muffin Tins with Liners

This might sound unconventional, but muffin tins combined with muffin liners are an innovative way to start seeds. Make sure to water carefully to avoid rusting the tin. Once sprouted, seedlings can be easily transferred to larger settings.

15. Food Cans

Similar to tin cans, various food cans such as those from soup, beans, or sauces can be repurposed as seed starter pots. Be sure to thoroughly clean them and add drainage holes. Their durability makes them ideal for small and medium plants.

16. Shoe Boxes

Old shoe boxes offer the opportunity to start a larger batch of seedlings simultaneously. Line the box with a plastic bag that has holes punched in the bottom, fill with soil, and plant. The box should be water-resistant to avoid disintegration during watering.

17. Cotton Swab Boxes

Once they’ve served their original purpose, these transparent boxes can be utilized for seed planting. They’re often sturdy, and with a few drainage holes added, they become perfect little seed incubators.

18. Baking Pans

Old or unused baking pans can also be transformed into seed starter stations. Just line them with a biodegradable material like newspaper to shield against rust, fill with soil, and plant your seeds.

19. Nut Shells

Half-shells from nuts such as walnuts or pecans can serve as natural, mini pots. They not only provide an organic aesthetic but also decompose, enriching the soil once planted.

20. Wine Corks

Believe it or not, wine corks can be used for tiny seeds. Drill a small hole in one end of the cork, fill with a pinch of soil, and plant your seed. They’re cute starter pots for herbs and other small plants.

Conclusion

Incorporating upcycled seed starter pots in your gardening routine is an exceptional way to contribute to a more sustainable environment while exercising creativity. With these 20 options, you have a variety of ways to prepare for the growing season without heading to the store. Not only will you reduce waste and save money, but you’ll also introduce a unique charm to your gardening ventures. Happy planting!