Using Egg Cartoons In Your Garden

Last updated on October 25th, 2023 at 10:58 am

The gardening season is just around the corner and with it the first preparations for harvesting your own vegetables, fresh herbs and fruit from the organic garden. At the start of the gardening season, I plan to grow the plants in advance. For this purpose, I have made a propagator out of egg cartons, which is a great way to sow the seeds. I’ll share the instructions for the propagator with you here.

Making a seed tray from egg cartons – Upcycling seed tray in an egg carton

I am a gardening novice and therefore not yet equipped with all the tools and utensils you need. And so I don’t have a small windowsill greenhouse to grow seeds in. But I’m a practical person and thought to myself: I’m sure this can be done without professional equipment… So I made a mini greenhouse with my son out of an old egg carton and a bag. It’s great training for fine motor skills and the little ones can learn a lot. Not only while making things: It’s especially exciting when the seeds sprout out of the ground!

The great thing about the egg cartons: you can simply plant out the tender plants with the egg carton after the last night frosts. I recommend poking a few holes in the carton with a wooden skewer so that the roots can find their way out. This is especially important for the tender roots of the tomato. The egg carton rots over time.

Especially before Easter, there are egg cartons left over that would otherwise end up in the rubbish. So this is the perfect time to make growing containers or decorations like pretty rooster egg cups out of them.
Instructions for a growing tray made from an egg carton

What you need

• 1 egg carton
• Growing soil
• seeds
• an old fruit bag (or similar)
• Planting labels

And this is how it works

• Cut off the lid of the egg carton.
• Fill the hollows of the egg carton with soil.
• Place the seeds in or on top of the soil – depending on whether they are dark sprouts or light sprouts.
• Moisten the soil and seeds with water from a spray bottle.
• Use planting tags to mark which seeds have been sown. Use the flap of the egg carton to close it. Cut to size, label and insert into the soil.
• To ensure a moist, good climate for germination, the seed tray can be placed in a bag. Close it with a knot, leaving a small opening so that the air can still circulate well. This prevents mould.
• Place the propagator from the egg carton in a warm room on the windowsill and watch it grow and thrive.

The loaded egg carton is now in a bag.

Make your own propagator from egg cartons: Tips

• You can easily make your own growing soil. Read how to make your own growing soil in the raccoon magazine.
• Mark your seedlings with self-made planting tags or purchased planting tags.
• Take good care of the climate in the propagation box so that nothing moulds. It is best to air the box from time to time so that there is not too much moisture.

Using Egg Cartons In Your Garden: An Eco-Friendly Solution for Plant Enthusiasts

Gardening is a rewarding hobby that allows you to connect with nature, grow your own food, and beautify your outdoor space. While it’s easy to get lost in the tranquility of your garden, it’s also essential to consider sustainable and eco-friendly practices that benefit both your plants and the environment. One such practice involves using a common household item – egg cartons – to enhance your gardening experience. In this article, we’ll explore creative and practical ways to repurpose egg cartons in your garden.

1. Seed Starters:

Egg cartons are a perfect resource for starting seeds. Their individual compartments create a ready-made, biodegradable planting system. Here’s how to use them:

• Cut the lid off the egg carton.
• Fill each compartment with potting soil.
• Plant your seeds according to the recommended depth and spacing.
• Water the soil gently.
• Place the carton on a tray to catch any excess water and keep it in a sunny location.

As the seedlings grow, the carton can be transplanted directly into the garden or a larger pot, minimizing transplant shock and reducing waste.

2. Biodegradable Pots:

Egg cartons can serve as biodegradable plant pots. When your seedlings are ready to be transplanted, simply cut each individual compartment and plant it directly into the soil. Over time, the carton will naturally break down, allowing your plants’ roots to expand freely.

3. Organic Pest Control:

Eggshells can help deter pests like slugs and snails from your garden. Crush eggshells and scatter them around your plants. These sharp-edged pieces act as a natural deterrent, protecting your garden without resorting to harmful chemicals.

4. Compost Material:

Used egg cartons are an excellent addition to your compost bin. They break down relatively quickly, adding valuable organic material to your compost. The paper fibers in the cartons help improve the compost’s structure.

5. DIY Seed Markers:

Egg cartons can be cut into small, sturdy pieces and used as DIY plant markers. Write the names of your plants on the pieces, and place them in the soil next to your seedlings. This helps you keep track of your garden and ensures you know what’s growing where.

6. Container Gardens:

If you have a limited space, you can create a container garden using egg cartons. Use the individual compartments as small containers for growing herbs, flowers, or small vegetables. This is a great way to add greenery to balconies, patios, or windowsills.

7. Mixing Soil and Fertilizer:

Egg cartons can be used as handy mixing containers for small quantities of soil and fertilizer. They keep the mess contained and make it easy to distribute the mix exactly where it’s needed.

Incorporating egg cartons into your gardening routine is an eco-friendly approach that reduces waste and maximizes the resources you have at hand. So next time you’re cracking eggs for breakfast, save the cartons for your gardening projects. It’s a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable way to enhance your garden’s vitality while reducing your ecological footprint. Enjoy a thriving garden and the satisfaction of knowing you’re taking steps to garden more sustainably.