Organic Plant Plug Trays

Plant into Permanent Container

• Some seeds may be planted into a container that will be their permanent home. This is often the easiest method, but not the most efficient for all seeds. Research your seed before planting to learn what it needs. Explore the innovative new pots and planters that are now on the market. Some of them are attached as a normal plug tray; some are individual.

Peat Pots

• Peat is the ancient remains of plants, mined from bogs. This substance is used as the primary material for peat pots, containers (often called cells) in which seeds can be grown and planted directly into the garden or flowerbed. When planting sprouts grown in these pots, gently split and separate the bottom allowing the roots to escape more readily. Cover the entire pot with garden soil; protruding edges will act as a wick and can create an issue with water to the roots. Compressed peat pellets are also available for seed starting.

Cow Pots

• The poo pot is exactly what it sounds like, made totally from cow dung. Odors are removed during processing. Cow manure pots decrease stresses on growing seedlings. When planted into the garden, this pot conditions the soil and adds nutrients as it decomposes.

Start Seeds in Root Cubes

• Root cubes are used in the greenhouse industry for seed starting and may be effective for the home gardener. The cubes are activated by water and provide a two-week supply of fertilizer to growing seedlings, eliminating a step which may confuse those who are not professional growers. Root cubes retain moisture, easing the need for frequent watering.

Recycle Cardboard and Plastic

• Segmented take-out containers, Styrofoam cups and various throwaways may be recycled for the process of starting seeds. Cardboard egg cartons and toilet paper rolls may be used. Plastic sour cream and yogurt containers -- in fact, any semisturdy plastic or cardboard container -- may function as a seed-starting container if drainage holes are added. Cardboard can go directly into the ground, but seed plugs should be removed from any plastic containers.