How to Grow Seeds in an Egg Carton

Now is a great time to start seeds for spring planting! If you’ve been thinking about starting a garden but feel intimidated by the cost, you’re not alone. Gardening supplies can add up quickly, but we’re here to tell you it doesn’t have to be that way! You don’t need a fancy seedling tray or expensive equipment to grow healthy plants. 

A great cost-effective and eco-friendly way to plant seeds is by recycling something you likely have in your fridge. A cardboard egg carton will do the trick beautifully! 

This works great for starting both flowers and vegetables. Make sure the egg carton for your seeds is cardboard, not plastic. Using these types of cartons are great because they are biodegradable and can be planted directly in the ground. That’s a win in our book!

To get started, cut the lid off your carton and poke drainage holes in each cup. Fill each cup with potting soil, put a seed in each cup, and place the carton in a sunny window. If you don’t have a windowsill to put the carton in, another great way to grow seeds indoors is by using LED lights.

Water the seeds each day to ensure the soil is moist but not soaking wet. We recommend putting the carton on a tray or shallow pan to catch water that drains from the bottom of the carton. 

When the seeds are ready, cut the cups apart and plant them directly in the ground. 

Don’t tell yourself you don’t have a green thumb until you try this method. It’s easy, cost-efficient, and a great introduction to gardening. 

MSU Extension offers a large variety of resources and tools to help you become a successful gardener. The Mississippi Vegetable Gardener’s Guide is a publication that provides specific recommendations for a successful harvest. If you need to talk through any growing problems with someone, we recommend reaching out to your local Extension agent.

What are you waiting for? Grab your egg carton, pick out your seeds, and get to gardening!!