Sustainable Seed Starters
Last frost dates are just around the corner, which means it is time to start seeds!
Are you looking for a more sustainable alternative to plastic seed trays this year?
Try these options instead!
Eggshells
Eggshells create a durable seed cup that will eventually break down in soil and give your growing plants a boost of calcium and nitrogen. Planting seeds in eggshells is a fun activity to do with kids, and a way to get one last use out of your food scraps before composting them.
If you have a plastic egg carton, you can even use it as a mini greenhouse!
Transplanting:
When your plants are a couple inches tall and have more than two sets of leaves, it is time to “harden off” your plants. Simulate a breeze by gently rubbing your hand over the top of the plants and leave in the elements for longer periods of time to acclimate to the weather.
After a few days, you are ready to transplant.
Gently (be extra gentle) crush the eggshell, cautious not to damage any roots, and remove a few of the shards. This will allow the roots to grow through the shell more easily. Compost the shards or add elsewhere in the soil.
Next, plant the eggshell with your baby plant according to the spacing on your seed packet. Make sure to completely cover the eggshell with soil.
Water as normal.
Science:
Eggshells will break down into smaller pieces and decompose over time, releasing calcium into the soil. This process can take a long time (1-10 years) depending on the acidity of your soil, the presence of worms, and how often it rains. Eggshells are mostly made of calcium carbonate. When mixed with an acid (like slightly acidic rainwater or vinegar), calcium carbonate turns into a form soluble by water and immediately ready for uptake by plants (Frizzell).
Worms break can slowly down eggshells and use them as grit, thereby contributing to its breakdown.
Many people have difficulty composting eggshells. I have never had this problem in Arizona, because my compost becomes VERY hot during its hot cycles. Eggshells break down in hot, acidic compost bins. Same is true of soil!
Personally, I have never had eggshell starts affect my soil greatly. It is important to test your soil before each growing season, so you will know beforehand if this is a good method for you to choose to start your seeds.
Read more about eggshells breaking down in the soil here.
Read more about rainwater reacting with calcium here.
Read more about the types of calcium plants can use here.
Read more about calcium carbonate here.
Paper Egg Cartons
Another option is to break apart paper/cardboard type egg cartons and use these as seed cups. They will break down with watering over time but can help get your seeds going!
Transplanting:
Harden off your plants according to the method in the previous section.
Next, plant dig a hole deep enough to fit the entire cup. Space plants according to your seed packet and completely cover cups with soil.
Water as normal.
Cardboard Paper Tubes
Cardboard toilet paper or kitchen towel tubes create great seed starters that will decompose very quickly, adding a little carbon boost to your soil. What’s even better? You can create two cups from one roll!
To make a container for your seeds:
- Make sure there is no toilet paper left on the tube.
- Cut the tube in half (hamburger style).
- Fold the half tube (hotdog style) so you can make two cuts in the end to create flaps.
- Fold the flaps together (like a cardboard box) to create a little cup for your plants!
- Fill with soil and add a seed as normal.
Tip: Some tubes are sturdier than others. If your tube breaks apart too easily with watering, try double cupping it by fitting one cup inside of another.
Transplanting:
Follow the same process to harden off as mentioned above.
Once your starts are hardened off, dig a hole in your container big enough to completely burry the toilet paper tube. Water as normal and within a few weeks your tubes will decompose!
Newspaper Boxes
If you did not know, most paper is compostable! As long as it is not glossy, you can compost it (for the most part). Newspaper is the fastest to break down, but folded correclty can make great seed starting boxes. They will break down with watering over time but can help get your seeds going!
Transplanting:
Harden off your plants according to the method in the previous section.
Next, plant dig a hole deep enough to fit the entire cup. Space plants according to your seed packet and completely cover cups with soil.
Water as normal.
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