![]() ![]() If your seeds require special steps for germination such as soaking or cold stratification (a cold period to break seed dormancy), ensure that you complete that treatment prior to planting. Read your seed packets, which contain useful information such as planting depth and germination time. If you feel that the soil level is now too far below the rim of the container (making it difficult to plant in cardboard tubes, for example), feel free to add more soil and water it in again. You’ll notice that after watering, the soil line is lower than before. You can add seeds before or after watering the soil but watering the soil first will allow you to have greater control over your seed placement and prevents smaller seeds from being washed away. Allow the excess water to run away before proceeding to the next step. ![]() This can be done with a watering can, a hose, or a kitchen sink spray nozzle. Water the soil thoroughly so that the whole volume is saturated and water comes out the bottom of your containers. Be sure that you add the soil in without packing it down. All plants, but especially seeds, require “pore space” - empty spaces in the soil for air and water. Cardboard containers can actually be planted directly in the ground as the cardboard will biodegrade, although you can certainly remove the plants from these containers as well.įill your containers almost to the top with soil. Use the smallest containers, cardboard tubes, and cardboard egg cartons for starting seeds that you plan to transplant not long after they have established. You can transplant into larger containers or a garden bed as your plants grow, or keep them small. Sow herbs and flowers like marigolds in smaller containers (like for yogurt, applesauce, or dips and spreads). Harvest the outer leaves of lettuces starting when they are 3-4” tall, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing. Lettuces and other greens (like herbs) can be harvested by a “cut and come again” method which will allow you to take just what you need for a meal while allowing the rest of the greens to grow. Sow lettuces in wide containers like clamshell containers and plate-size takeout containers. It is useful to write the date you sowed the seeds as well.ĭoes it matter what I plant in which container? Answer: Sort of! This is much easier to do before you fill your containers with soil! Label directly with permanent marker, make a masking tape label, or make labeling stakes using craft sticks or other household materials. If necessary, secure the flaps with tape.ĭecide which seeds you will be sowing in each container, and label the containers accordingly. Cut notches in one end that can be folded inward to form a base. If you’re using cardboard egg cartons, you may only need to remove the lid (you can plant in that portion too, just add drainage holes!)įor cardboard tubes, cut them into sections no shorter than 2”. Wipin g down the containers with isopropyl alcohol can remove the remaining oil. It’s not necessary to remove labels, but if you’d like to, vegetable oil can help get the sticky residue off. Although seeds need moisture to germinate, too much water can suffocate your young plants. This will help prevent your soil from staying too soggy. Bigger containers will require more drainage holes. If possible, add several drainage holes to the bottom of your container. If they’re plastic, be sure to wash them well with warm, soapy water and allow them to dry. Optional: a journal to record what you planted, dates of sowing and germination, how long until you transplanted or harvested your food, and anything else you like!.Optional: vegetable oil and isopropyl alcohol to remove labels.Optional: plastic bags or plastic bottles cut in half to make DIY “greenhouses”.Optional: craft sticks or plant labeling stakes.Optional: Something to make drainage holes with (drill, x-acto or box knife, etc.).Potting soil (ideally a DIY or purchased seed-starting mix).A wide, shallow container (upcycled or not), large enough for your starters to sit in as a watering saucer.Or: Cardboard egg cartons, toilet paper tubes, or paper towel tubes.Any size will do, but ideally at least 1.5-2” deep. Clean and dry plastic containers containers that work really well include cherry tomato containers, “clamshell” containers, or containers that come with a clear lid.Ready to try growing your own food? You can turn disposable, single-use containers into seed-starting vessels! In this #SMOatHome we’ll explore what plants need to grow, repurpose containers that would otherwise go to waste, and save some money, too! For young scientists this activity helps connect to where food comes from. ![]()
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