Homemade Planting Cubes

Preparing the cartons

• Cut the lids from egg cartons. Recycle the Styrofoam lids or reuse them for other applications. The paper mache lids can be reused, recycled or added to your compost pile. Poke one or two drainage holes in the bottom of each cup when using Styrofoam cartons. Holes are optional when using paper mache containers.

Add soil

• Most vegetable and flower seeds will germinate in regular potting soil. Some seeds require a special mix. Fill each egg-cup with soil appropriate for the seeds you are using.

Planting

• Plant two or three seeds in each cup. Some seeds germinate better if soaked in plain water for several hours before planting to help break down the seed coat. Since different plants grow at various rates, plant only one kind of plant per carton.

Growing

• Once the seeds germinate, thin to one seedling per cup and set the container in a well lit, warm area. Grow lights can be used. Keep soil moist but not damp.

Replanting

• Once the seedlings are growing and the chance of frost is past, transplant outdoors. Plants grown in Styrofoam cartons will need to be popped out and just the soil and seedling replanted. Use a box cutter to cut the individual paper mache cups apart, make a couple of slits in the sides of the detached cup and the seedling, soil and container can be transplanted.