There are many different options for containers that can be used to start seedlings.
Link to MARSHINE
Plastic Seed Starting Trays | Peat Pots | Recycled Food Containers | Cardboard Tubes & Egg Cartons | Origami Paper Pots | Other | More Information
Stores and garden centers have several different types of containers made specifically for germinating and growing annual and vegetable seeds in late winter/early spring. These options include plastic trays specifically designed for seed starting, such as row seedling flats or open flats where you sow seeds in individual rows. These trays can hold several types of seeds in their own little rows, utilizing very little space. Once the true leaves form on the seedlings, they can be separated and transplanted into their own separate containers. Some gardeners prefer to start their seeds in individual containers like cell packs or plug trays. All these containers can be reused as long as they are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before each use.
Biodegradable pots in various sizes can also be used. Peat pots are made from compressed peat moss. Occasionally, compressed paper or cardboard pots look much like peat pots and are used in the same way. Peat pots are plantable. While you can peel the pot off the root ball before planting, it is not required as it will break down in the soil. Be sure to remove the top portion or bury the entire container, as any part that sticks above ground after planting can cause the soil around the young plant to dry out quickly.
Clear plastic fruit trays in which strawberries and other fruits are packaged at the grocery store can be used for germinating seeds. These containers already have holes in both the top and bottom for drainage and air exchange. Eight one-quart containers will fit into a flat for easy transport. Once seeds have germinated, open the top until the seedlings are big enough to transplant to individual containers or cell packs.
Any smaller plastic or styrofoam container can be recycled and used as a container for starting seeds. Make sure to poke drainage holes in the bottom to prevent over-watering. Some recycled containers to consider include:
The cardboard roll found inside paper towels and toilet tissue is another possibility. Cut the rolls into 2 or 3-inch sections, fill with potting soil, and sow one seed per container. The rolls can be planted just like peat pots without disturbing the plant's root ball. Make sure all portions of the cardboard are planted below the soil surface. Any exposed edges will act like a wick and dry out the transplant, even if planted in moist ground.
Cardboard egg cartons work much the same way and are easy to use for germinating and growing seeds. Styrofoam egg cartons can also be used; however, remove the plant from the styrofoam carton before transplanting because it does not break down in the soil.
Newspaper or other paper can be folded to create a small container perfect for starting seeds. These containers can be used much like peat pots. Once seedlings are hardened off, they can be planted, paper and all, as the paper will decompose. Find directions on creating these folded paper pots in this article from the University of Maine: Newspaper Pots for Seedlings or this video: Newspaper Pots for Seed Starting.
For more Leak-Proof Seedling Traysinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Seeds will germinate in just about anything as long as it holds soil and provides adequate drainage. Once seeds germinate, the seedlings will require adequate light, water, fertilizer and space for adequate growth. Using everyday items from around the home is a great way to recycle items that would otherwise be thrown away. Even eggshells can be used to germinate seeds, and the shell can be planted along with the plant. However, you'll also need to save the carton to hold the eggshells while the plant grows.
Once you have decided to take the plunge and start your vegetables from seed, you&#;ll need a few materials. Choose the right containers that are best for YOU &#; your space, your available sunlight, and the kind of vegetables you want to grow.
If you are really new to this whole gardening thing and want to start slow, starting with some larger (4-inch) containers and growing just a few varieties is the way to go. These larger containers will allow you to start seeds and also allow growing room so you don&#;t have to transplant your seedlings into larger containers before they go into the garden. The downside is you are certainly limited to a small number of seedlings.
When I plant many varieties of tomato, a tray of cells allows me to plant and care for 60-70 seedlings easily. I can choose the best ones for my garden and throw the rest on the compost pile or better yet, give them to friends for their own garden!
Please take note: you&#;ll need to transplant most of your seedlings from cells to larger pots as they outgrown their tiny first home.
These pots are single use, while a plastic tray can be cleaned and reused year after year. Another benefit to these biodegradable pots is that they reduce transplant stress. When you&#;re ready to put your tender seedlings out in your garden, many will experience transplant stress from moving from their little plastic container to the garden soil. With these pots, you can just plop the whole container in the ground and water well. The pot will break down over the course of the season and will allow roots to break through into the soil on their own.
So evocative of the garden, right? Just look at them! They say &#;I&#;m a gardener!&#; Benefits? They will last for years if you care for them properly, they are the prettiest option of the bunch, and the clay naturally sucks up water and will keep your seedlings perfectly moist as they grow. The downside? They are heavy and I often have to move my seed trays around to catch indoor sunlight in the early days of spring when it is still cold outside or when I move them from my indoor planting area to the sunny porch for a few hours a day. They are also more expensive if you are growing a lot of seedlings, but may be the perfect choice if you are growing just a few. I keep them around for beauty and save them for my prettiest seedlings.
With a little adjustment, you can convert just about any takeout container or plastic food carton into a seedling starter. Just poke some drainage holes in the bottom and proceed. I especially love the ones that have a plastic lid. Many seed cell trays come with a plastic dome to help trap heat and moisture and the plastic lid from this yogurt container serves the exact same purpose! This is not your prettiest option, but it&#;s free and sustainable, so you have my blessing!
Look for my other posts on how to make your own paper starter pots or check out my video on how to make a self-watering pot (great project for your kids!)
Next Step: Potting Soil!
The company is the world’s best cheap seed starting trays supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.