Here’s how I’m approaching seed starting this year and some tips on what to look out for when choosing containers.
1. Recycled Containers for Seed Starting
Instead of buying new plastic trays or pots, I try to repurpose items I already have at home. It is budget friendly and gives a second life to things that were destined for the landfill, with no need to purchase brand new containers. Here are a few items I plan to use this year:
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| Recycled seed starting options |
- Milk Jugs: Cut milk jugs in half to create mini greenhouses for your seeds. Some recommend to poke drainage holes at the bottom, but I don't. I am just mindful of how much I water instead. You can either fill the bottom with soil, or use as a container for smaller seed vessels like pucks and soil blocks. The plastic top helps retain warmth and moisture, creating the perfect environment for seedlings.
- Toilet Paper Rolls: These make great biodegradable seed pots. Cut strips into one end and fold the pieces inward to create a bottom, or leave the bottom open and use another vessel (like a milk jug) to contain them. Once your seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can either plant the entire roll in the ground, where it will decompose or peel off the roll before placing in the ground. Plus, they’re cheap and easy to find, making them an excellent option for large batches of seeds.
- Egg Cartons: Old cardboard egg cartons can also be repurposed as seed trays. The individual compartments make it easy to organize different types of seeds, and the cardboard can break down in your compost bin once the growing season is over. If you happen to have any plastic cartons, you can use the top as a greenhouse.
- Old Food Containers: Repurposing yogurt cups, takeout containers (as long as its not styrofoam), or cardboard tubs (like the one my grits come in), reduces waste and saves money.
- Newspaper Pots: Fold and shape newspaper into small pots that can be planted directly in the soil where they will biodegrade. Admittedly, I don't plan to do this this year because I don't get newspapers, but it was too good of an idea not to share.
- Old Plant Pots: If I ever buy seedlings instead of starting them myself, I hold on to the pots they came in. I even hold on to the bigger plant pots so that if I need to up-pot a seedling that's gotten too big for it's container, I have recycled options available.
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| Old pots from plants I've bought |
- Plastic Clamshell Containers (e.g., berry containers): Especially here in Wyoming, it can be hard to keep seedlings moist enough to thrive. Using plastic clamshells as mini greenhouses to retain humidity can help keep seedlings happy and moist.
2. Soil Blocking: The Ultimate Sustainable Seed Starting Method
If you’re looking to take things to the next level, soil blocking is an excellent option. Soil blocking involves pressing soil into blocks, which are then used to grow your seedlings. This method eliminates the need for containers entirely, as the soil holds together and allows for root growth without plastic or other materials. Place your soil blocks on a try so that they're easier to move. If the tray has sides, you can even bottom water them, which is my favorite method for watering seedlings. Soils block allow plant roots to get good air flow, and if the roots grow beyond the block, they self prune rather than become root bound. Soil blocking tools are available on Amazon which create perfectly shaped cubes, but I'm going to try just doing it by hand this year, just to test it out and see if I want to invest in a soil blocker. (I'll update you if it works).
If you want to try soil blocking, check out this soil blocking tool.
3. Avoiding Peat
One of the biggest changes I’m making this year is avoiding peat in my seed starting. Traditional peat pucks and many seed starting mixes contain peat moss, which is often harvested unsustainably. Peat bogs are delicate ecosystems that take hundreds or even thousands of years to develop, and the process of harvesting peat releases significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. By choosing alternatives to peat, we can reduce our environmental impact and make more sustainable choices.
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| My peat puck seedlings from last year |
Instead of peat pucks, I’m using organic compost this year. Compost is rich in nutrients and provides a great growing medium for seedlings. You can also make it yourself out of your food and yard waste to double the sustainability!
I also considered coco coir pucks, because I've had success with peat pucks in the past, but was looking for a more sustainable alternative. Coco coir is made from the husks of coconuts and has similar moisture-retaining properties, but unlike peat, it doesn’t harm the environment. I ultimately decided to use compost because it has more nutrients than coco coir alone, and I didn't want to have to worry about fertilizing my seedlings right away.
Whether you’re using coco coir or organic compost (or a seed starting mix with both), I encourage you to consider alternatives to peat when starting your seeds this year.
4. What to Watch Out For: Avoiding Harmful Materials
While it’s important to reuse and recycle, there are a few materials I try to avoid when starting seeds due to potential risks. Here’s what I’ve learned over the past year:
- Aluminum Containers: Last year, I used a disposable aluminum casserole dish to hold my peat pucks. I’ve since learned that aluminum can leach into the soil, which may harm my seedlings—and eventually my food. Even though the amount of aluminum may be minuscule, I prefer to avoid it when I can. I’ll be opting for safer, reusable containers this year.
- Plastic Containers: While I do occasionally use plastic, especially to create a humidity dome, I’m cautious about using plastic as my primary method of starting seeds. Some types of plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the soil, especially when exposed to sunlight or heat. I prefer to limit my plastic use and focus on more sustainable alternatives, like glass or cardboard. If I do use plastic, I try to repurpose items I already have instead of purchasing new. If there's one thing the world doesn't need, it's more plastic.
5. A Sustainable Seed Starting Tray Alternative: Thrifted Glass Casserole Dish
This year, I’m excited to be using a few thrifted glass casserole dishes for my seed starting. Not only is it a sustainable option because I’m reusing something instead of buying new, but it also doesn’t leach plastic or create microplastics when it eventually wears out. Glass is durable, non-toxic, and can be reused again and again. It’s a perfect alternative to plastic or aluminum, and it helps maintain moisture levels without introducing harmful materials into the soil.
If you’re in the market for a seed tray, I highly recommend checking out your local thrift store. I was able to find a great glass casserole dish for just a few dollars, which makes it a budget-friendly choice as well.
* A Note on Lead in Glassware *
While glass is a great option, it’s important to be mindful of the type of glass you’re using. Certain older or colored glassware, especially vintage items like Corelle dishes or amber-colored glass, may contain lead or other harmful materials.
- Avoid vintage or colored glass that may contain lead.
- Use clear, newer glassware labeled lead-free.
- If unsure, test with a lead testing kit (though accuracy may vary).
Conclusion: Start Small, Think Big
Starting seeds sustainably doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little creativity and mindfulness, you can reuse materials you already have and create a more eco-friendly garden. I’m excited to experiment with these alternative methods this year and continue learning about sustainable gardening practices.
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