Growing Egg Carton Seeds

Egg Carton Seed Starts

By Ana Dziengel of Babble Dabble Do

Growing seedlings in an egg carton is an easy beginner’s gardening project for kids.

Materials:

• Cardboard Egg Carton
• Potting Soil
• Seeds
• Spray Bottle
• Scissors
• Garden Trowel

Instructions

Tips:

1. 1. Cut egg carton in half.

1. Add potting soil to individual egg cups in carton.

1. Poke a hole in the center of each cup. Place one seed in each hole. Cover with soil.

1. Spray soil with water.

1. Place on tray and take indoors. Keep them in a warm light filled location until they begin to sprout. Make sure to water seeds everyday. The soil should stay very moist.

1. Once the seeds have sprouted into small seedlings, you can transfer them to a permanent location.

1. Make sure the egg carton is very wet and saturated before moving the seedling outdoors. Tear off one of the egg carton cups.

1. Dig a hole in the container you are transferring to, using your trowel.

1. Place the egg carton cup directly in the soil. It will decompose.

1. Water your seedlings every day to help them grow!

• Start with an easy to grow plant. Our favorites are cucumbers and radishes.
• Before planting your seedlings it’s a good idea to take your tray outside and acclimate them to being outdoors. You can start by taking them outside in the shade for a day or two before transferring them.

• Birds love to eat seedlings! If you are planting a number of seedlings in a garden space you may want to lay a protective material over them as they begin to grow. A white sheet or plastic drop cloth will do the trick. Hold it in place with bricks. The cover can be removed once the plants are about 8" high.