Planting seeds in egg trays is an excellent, eco-friendly way to start seedlings indoors, providing a convenient and biodegradable alternative to traditional seed starting pots.
Why Use Egg Trays for Seed Starting?
Egg cartons, especially the paper or cardboard varieties, are an ideal choice for propagating seeds due to their individual compartments, which help organize seedlings and prevent root entanglement. They are also biodegradable, making transplanting easier and reducing waste.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting in Egg Trays
Transforming an ordinary egg carton into a thriving nursery for your young plants is a straightforward process. Here's how to do it:
1. Prepare Your Egg Cartons
- Choose the Right Type: Opt for paper or cardboard egg cartons over styrofoam ones, as they are biodegradable and allow for better aeration.
- Create Drainage Holes: Use a pen, a small nail, or scissors to poke a small hole at the bottom of each egg cup. This is crucial for drainage and preventing waterlogged soil, which can lead to damping-off disease.
- Prepare a Drip Tray: Place your prepared egg carton inside a larger plastic tray or container (like a take-out container lid or another egg carton bottom) to catch excess water and protect your surfaces.
2. Fill with Seed Starting Mix
- Select Quality Mix: Use a high-quality, sterile seed starting mix. This type of soil is lighter and finer than regular potting soil, providing the ideal environment for delicate sprouts. It also helps prevent common soil-borne diseases.
- Fill Each Cup: Gently fill each cup of the egg carton with the seed starting mix, leaving about a quarter-inch space from the top.
3. Moisten the Soil
- Dampen Thoroughly: Soak the top of the seed starting mix in each cup to get it nice and damp for the seeds. You can use a spray bottle or gently pour water onto the soil until it's consistently moist but not soggy. Ensure the water drains through the holes you made.
4. Plant Your Seeds
- Make Indentations: After you've got the seed starting mix in your egg carton, use your fingers gently to create a small indentation in the center of the soil in each cup. The depth depends on the seed size – generally, plant seeds at a depth of two to three times their width.
- Sow Seeds: Place one to two seeds in each indentation. Planting two gives you a backup in case one doesn't germinate, and you can thin later if both sprout.
- Cover Lightly: Gently cover the seeds with a thin layer of seed starting mix. For very tiny seeds, a light sprinkle of vermiculite can also work well.
- Labeling (Optional but Recommended): Use small plant markers or craft sticks to label each cup with the type of seed and the planting date. This is incredibly helpful, especially if you're planting various seeds.
5. Provide Initial Care
- Gentle Watering: After planting, gently mist the top layer of soil again to settle the seeds. Avoid heavy watering that could dislodge them.
- Warmth and Light: Place the egg carton in a warm location, ideally with consistent temperatures suitable for germination (check specific seed packet recommendations). Once seeds sprout, they will need ample light (12-16 hours per day) from a sunny window or a grow light to prevent them from becoming leggy.
Tips for Success
- Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Check daily and mist or water gently when the top layer starts to feel dry.
- Air Circulation: Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues.
- Thinning: Once seedlings develop their first set of "true leaves" (the second set of leaves after the initial cotyledons), thin them to one strong seedling per cup by snipping the weaker one at the soil line with small scissors.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually expose your seedlings to outdoor conditions for a week or two. Start with a few hours in a shaded, protected spot and gradually increase exposure to sunlight and wind.
When to Transplant
Seedlings are ready to be transplanted when they have developed several sets of true leaves and appear sturdy. With paper egg cartons, you can often tear or cut off individual cups and plant the entire cup directly into a larger pot or garden bed. The carton will biodegrade, minimizing root disturbance.
Quick Reference Table: Seed Starting Essentials
| Item | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Egg Trays (Paper) | Biodegradable seed starting containers | Ensure drainage holes are present |
| Seed Starting Mix | Fine, sterile medium for optimal germination | Lighter than potting soil, prevents disease |
| Spray Bottle | Gentle watering to avoid dislodging seeds | Maintains consistent moisture without overwatering |
| Seeds | Your chosen plant varieties | Check packet for specific planting depth and germination temps |
| Labels (Optional) | Keep track of different plant types and dates | Prevents confusion, especially with multiple varieties |
By following these steps, you can successfully plant and nurture your seeds in egg trays, giving them a healthy start before they are ready for the garden.
