How to Make Your Own Seed Tray Starter From Recycled Materials

Newspaper Seedling Cups

• 1

  Choose the size of can or other cylinder you want for your seeds. A 15-ounce can of vegetables works well.

• 2

  Tear or cut strips of newspaper 6 inches wide and approximately 30 inches long.

• 3

  Set the tin can on your work surface. Lay the newspaper strip in front of you with the length going left to right.

• 4

  Pick up one end of the newspaper strip and arrange it against the side of the can so 3 inches of the width touch the side of the can and 3 inches extend above the can.

• 5

  Holding the newspaper end in place, begin to rotate the can, running the strip of newspaper around the can to its end. Alternatively, lay the can on its side and roll it until the length of the newspaper strip is taken up.

• 6

  Place a small amount of cellophane tape to hold the newspaper strip on the can.

• 7

  Fold over one edge of the newspaper that is sticking up over the top of the can. Fold over more of the newspaper, working around the can, until the newspaper lies flat against the end of the can.

• 8

  Place a small piece of cellophane tape across the end to hold the folds in place.

• 9

  Remove the can from the newspaper gently. Repeat to create as many of the paper cups as you need and place them in a tray or old baking pan. Fill each cup with soilless seed-starting medium.

Cardboard Egg Carton Seedling Cups

• 10

  Cut away the solid lid on a paper or cardboard egg carton.

• 11

  Cut small holes in the bottom of the wells for drainage with scissors or a knife.

• 12

  Fill each well with seed-starting mix and plant your seeds according to package instructions.

• 13

  Place the egg tray on an old baking sheet or plastic tray to catch water as it drains.

• 14

  Transplant your seedlings when the time comes by cutting apart the individual egg cups with scissors or a knife and placing each one directly into the bed.