How to Germinate Seeds With a Styrofoam Cup

To get an early start on the growing season, sow seeds indoors during the final weeks of winter so you can have young plants to transfer in the garden as soon as the spring season arrives. Styrofoam cups work well as a vessel for germination because they're small enough to securely sit on a windowsill yet still large enough to give seedlings adequate room for growth. When it comes time to transplant, carefully flip the cup upside down and squeeze the sides until the plant and soil slide out in one whole piece.

Screwdriver
Soil
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Poke a hole in the bottom of the Styrofoam cup with a screwdriver or pencil. A hole 1/4 inch in diameter provides adequate drainage for the soil.
- 2
  Moisten soil with water so it's just wet enough to pack when squeezed. Prepare enough soil to fill the Styrofoam cup 1/2 inch below the rim.
- 3
  Place the seed on the surface of the soil. Cover the seed lightly with soil. The recommended planting depth differs depending on the seed, so research the planting requirements of the particular seed if you are unsure. Small flower or herb seeds can often be sprinkled on the surface or barely covered with a light dusting of soil, while vegetable plant seeds often require 1/4 inch deep or more.
- 4
  Place the cup near a sunny window on top of a towel. As with planting depth, the sunlight requirements may differ depending on the seed.
- 5
  Keep the soil slightly moist until the seed germinates. While the hole in the bottom of the cup provides drainage for excess water, refrain from allowing the soil to become soggy, as too much moisture may cause some seeds to rot.

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