Activity: Zero-waste seed pots and greenhouses

There are many creative ways to start seeds for your vegetable garden that use only materials you already have at home, or things you can rescue from the recycling bin. These seed starting pots and greenhouses super fun to make with kids and teach zero waste principles.

Newspaper Pots

If you have some old newspaper or other scrap paper lying around, you can fold the paper into a pot. As long as it holds the soil safely and stands upright it will work! These pots can be planted directly in the ground when it is time to transplant, as the newspaper will decompose and most papers now have soy-based ink.

A very simple method:

A bit more complex:

An even easier way is to buy a wooden pot maker like this one . There are a couple different varieties, so search around to find one that works well for you.

Toilet Paper

These will be slightly sturdier and easier to work with, but will take longer to decompose. Make sure that the cardboard is not lined with any plastic, as this will stay in your garden for years.

Egg carton

You can use an empty egg carton like a seed-starting tray! Consider cutting it up into individual compartments, since these pots can decompose in the ground and you’ll want to space them out further than they would be in the tray itself.

Note: because they are so shallow, the trays tend to dry out quicker than pots that may be deeper. Make sure the soil stays moist, as this provides the best conditions for seed to germinate.

Greenhouses

Many of the warm-weather, summer crops we are seeding now prefer warmer environments for seeds to germinate. You can make your own mini-greenhouse to cover your seedlings with materials you have at home, like the following:

• Plastic storage bins (of any size!)

• To-go containers

https://thegardeningcook.com/diy-greenhouses/

• Plastic bottles

https://www.thegardenglove.com/12-great-diy-greenhouse-projects/

• Umbrellas!?

https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/g2506/diy-greenhouses/

You’ll want to make sure there is some airflow inside of your greenhouse, otherwise it may get too hot in direct sunlight and jeopardize or even kill the your seedlings. For example, poke holes in the top of your plastic tub or container, or make sure there is some space for air to flow in and out.

If you’re wondering what soil to use inside of your seed pots, use a very light soil designed for seed starting. Ask your local nursery if they have their own seed starting mix, or look for organic potting mix that contains perlite and/or vermiculite (agents that help keep the soil airy and increase drainage). If you’re gardening in the Bay Area, consider buying from these local suppliers.

Check out our planting calendar to learn what seeds to start using these methods now, and what you can plant directly in the ground.

Send us pictures of what you’ve made, and comment below with any questions! We love to hear how you’ve been gardening.