Springtime is the time of year when new life abounds. For gardeners, that means it’s time to start planting seeds! If you have any leftover seed starters from last year, don’t throw them away – recycle them instead! Here are a few easy ways to do just that.
How To Recycle Seed Starters
It’s the time of year when many gardeners start their seedlings indoors. Starting seeds indoors is a great way to get a jump on the growing season, but it can also create a lot of extra work. One way to cut down on the amount of extra work is to reuse leftover seed starters.
When we talk about seed starters, we can refer to a number of things. Below, we’ll tell you more about how to recycle seed starter containers (as well as how to make your own in a more eco-friendly way).
However, there are also seed starter pellets you can use. Often, these are biodegradable.
These kinds of leftover seed starters, usually made out of peat, can be used in a number of ways. One option is to plant them directly in the ground. This is especially useful for larger seedlings that have already outgrown their starter pots.
Another option is to transplant them into larger pots. This can be done either by oneself or by giving them away to friends or family members who are also gardening. Additionally, leftover seed starters can be used to start new seedlings.
This is a great way to ensure that there are always plenty of healthy plants on hand.
No matter how they are used, leftover seed starters are a valuable resource for any gardener. By being creative, one can find many uses for these little leftovers and put them to good use.
What Can You Do With Leftover Seed Starters – The Containers?
Don’t toss those leftover seed starting containers out – there are plenty of things you can do with them to help your garden! Here are a few ideas.
Reuse Them Next Planting Season
Most gardeners know the importance of recycling common household items, but did you know that you can also recycle seed starting containers?
Using recycled containers is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and save money.
Plus, it’s easy to do! Simply wash out your used containers with soapy water and allow them to air dry. Once they’re clean, you can use them again next planting season. So why not recycle your seed starting containers and do your part to help the planet?
Be Sure To Wash Them Out
Starting your own seeds is a great way to get a jump on the gardening season, but it’s important to make sure that your recycled containers are clean and sterile before you plant. Otherwise, you run the risk of introducing diseases or pests into your garden. Luckily, washing seed starting containers is easy – all you need is some hot water and a little elbow grease.
To start, fill your sink with hot water and add a squirt of dish soap. Then, scrub the inside and outside of each container with a sponge or brush. Pay special attention to any nooks or crannies where dirt or debris might be hiding.
Once you’ve scrubbed the containers clean, rinse them well with hot water. Finally, set them out in the sun to air dry completely before using them to start your seeds.
Save Them For The Harvest
If you’re looking for a fun way to recycle your old seed trays, why not use them to gather your harvest from the garden? Seed trays make great little scoopers, perfect for gathering up beans, peas and other small vegetables. They’re also ideal for collecting herbs, berries and other delicate fruits.
To use your seed trays as scoopers, simply place them on the ground next to your plants and gently rake them through the soil. The tray will catch any produce that falls off, making it easy to collect everything in one go. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse those old trays and give them a new lease of life.
Donate Them
There are a number of options for donating old seed starting containers. One option is to donate them to a local nursery or gardening center. Another option is to donate them to a local school or community garden.
Most nurseries and gardening centers will be happy to take them off your hands, and they may even be able to use them themselves.
Schools and community gardens are always in need of new materials, and old seed starting containers can be a great way to help out.
Compost Them
If you have limited space, you may also want to consider composting your old seed containers (if they’re made out of biodegradable materials – it obviously won’t work for plastic containers).
This will help to add nutrients to your soil and improve the health of your plants.
Throw Them Out
Seed starting containers come in all shapes and sizes, from small peat pots to large plastic trays. While it’s always best to recycle or reuse these containers whenever possible, sometimes you may find yourself with no other choice but to throw them out.
Recycle Them (Maybe)
If you do need to dispose of seed starting containers, there are a few things you can do to ensure they’re recycled properly.
First, check with your local recycling center to see if they accept plant pots. If not, you can usually find recycling centers that accept plastic pots by doing an online search.
Once you’ve located a suitable facility, simply clean out your pots and take them to the center.
How To Grow Plants Using Recycled Materials?
Looking for a way to garden on a budget? Well, look no further – you can reuse materials around your house to create a beautiful garden! All you need are some basic supplies and recycled materials. Here are some tips on how to get started.
Tin Cans
Many gardeners recycle tin cans to use as seed starters. Tin cans are ideal for starting seeds because they retain heat well, which helps seeds germinate faster. In addition, tin cans are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
To recycle tin cans for use as seed starters, simply wash out the cans and punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, fill the cans with potting mix and plant your seeds.
Yogurt Cups
One simple and effective option is to use yogurt cups. To prepare the cups, simply wash them out and punch a few small holes in the bottom for drainage. Then, fill the cups with soil and sow your seeds.
The cups can be placed on a windowsill or in a greenhouse, and when the seedlings are ready to transplant, they can simply be popped out of the cup and planted in the ground.
Plastic Cups And To-Go Takeout Containers
With the increasing popularity of to-go food containers, there has been a corresponding increase in the amount of plastic waste. However, there are ways to reuse these containers and help to reduce environmental waste. One idea is to use them as seed starters for new plants.
Simply clean out the containers and fill them with soil. Then, plant your seeds and water them as usual.
To-go containers with plastic lids work extremely well for starting seeds – it’s like their own greenhouse!
Egg Cartons
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to start your seeds, egg cartons are a great option.
To use egg cartons as seed starters, simply fill each cup with potting mix and wet it down. Then, sow your seeds according to the package directions.
Once your seeds have germinated, you can transplant them into individual pots or outdoor beds.
Toilet Paper Rolls
One common recycled material that can be used for seedlings is toilet paper rolls. They can easily be repurposed into seed starters. Simply cut the roll in half lengthwise and fold the edges over to create a small cup. Then, fill the cup with potting soil and add your seeds.
Old Newspapers
A thrifty alternative is to use old newspapers to make your own seed-starting containers. Simply roll up a sheet of newspaper into a cone, wet it thoroughly, and then press it into a small container such as a yogurt cup. Once the newspaper has dried, it will be stiff enough to hold its shape.
Here’s a video that will tell you how to complete the process:
Seed Starter Ideas For Eco-Friendly Gardening
By recycling materials and using organic methods, you can create effective seed starters while also being environmentally friendly. Not only is this good for the planet, but it’s also great for your garden! Have you tried making your own seed starters? If not, what are you waiting for?