· In: Flowers, Fruit, Garden Planning, Seeds, Vegetables
There are so many seed starting containers on the market, it might be hard to figure out which option is best for you. I’m going to go over a few of the best containers for indoor seed starting, which will include the most common seed starting techniques. Along with the pros and cons of each.
Contents hide
1 Why Start Seeds Indoors?
2 Reuse Household Items as Seed Starting Containers
3 The 6 Best Containers To Start Seeds Indoors
3.1 1. Peat Pots
3.2 2. Plastic Cell Flats/Trays
3.3 3. Fabric Seedling Pots
3.4 4. Self-Watering Seed Starter Kits
3.5 5. Soil Blockers
3.6 6. Expandable Peat or Coir Pellets
4 More Seed Starting Tips
Why Start Seeds Indoors?
The primary reason to start seeds indoors is to give your plants a head start. In areas where the growing season is shorter, sowing seeds directly in the garden won’t provide the plants with enough time to reach maturity at the optimal time. By starting seeds indoors you are allowing your seedlings to grow strong and healthy weeks before your last frost date.
To determine when you should start your seeds, check out my post How to Know When To Start Seeds Indoors For Spring Planting to learn all you need to know about starting your own seeds indoors!
Do you know when to start your seeds? Learn when you need to start your seeds and download my seed starting planner to stay organized!
Reuse Household Items as Seed Starting Containers
If you are on a tight budget you can certainly find containers around the house that you can reuse as seed starting containers. Take a look around your house and your recycling bin, you might be surprised with what you can find! Some of my favorites are:
- Toilet Paper Rolls: Cut the toilet paper tubes into halves or thirds, these can stand up in a tray to hold soil and seeds. They are biodegradable, so you can plant them directly into the soil when the seedlings are ready to be transplanted. Paper towel rolls can be cut just the same.
- Cardboard Egg Cartons: Both cardboard and plastic egg cartons can be used to start seeds. Fill each compartment with soil, plant your seeds, and water. Cardboard cartons can be planted directly into the ground, as they will decompose.
- Yogurt Containers & Cups: Clean the yogurt cups out, poke a few drainage holes in the bottom, fill with soil, and they’re ready for seeds. They’re sturdy and can be reused year after year.
- Newspaper Pots: You can roll newspaper into small pots that are biodegradable and can be planted directly into the garden. There are many tutorials online on how to fold these.
- Takeout Containers: Plastic takeout containers with lids can be turned into mini greenhouses for your seedlings. Ensure you clean them thoroughly and poke drainage holes in the bottom.
- Ice Cream Containers: Larger seeds and plants might need more space, and ice cream containers can provide that. Make sure to create drainage holes.
- Coffee Cups: Both paper and plastic coffee cups can be used. They are especially good for larger seeds. Don’t forget to add a hole in the bottom for drainage.
- Plastic Bottles: Cut soda or water bottles in half and use the bottom as a pot (with holes for drainage). The top half can be used as a cover to create a greenhouse effect.
- Egg Shells:They are a fantastic, eco-friendly option for starting seeds. They are biodegradable, rich in calcium, and can be planted directly into the soil, which minimizes root disturbance during transplanting.
The 6 Best Containers To Start Seeds Indoors
1. Peat Pots
These are biodegradable pots made from peat moss. They are great for starting seeds indoors and can be planted directly into the soil when it’s time to transplant, minimizing root disturbance.
Pros:
– Biodegradable and can be planted directly into the soil, minimizing root disturbance.
– Environmentally friendly, as they break down naturally.
Cons:
– Can dry out quickly, requiring careful moisture monitoring.
– Mold can sometimes grow on the outside of the pots in humid conditions.
2. Plastic Cell Flats/Trays
These are one of the most common seed starting containers. They come in seed trays of multiple cells, making it easy to start a lot of seeds at once. The plastic trays are reusable, but ensure they are cleaned well between uses to prevent disease.
Pros:
– Reusable and durable.
– Efficient for starting a large number of seeds in a small space.
Cons:
– Not biodegradable, contributing to plastic waste if not reused.
– Requires careful handling to avoid damaging roots during transplanting.
3. Fabric Seedling Pots
Made from breathable fabric, these pots allow air to prune the plant’s roots, encouraging strong root development. They are reusable and the larger containers often come with handles for easy moving. I personally used these for growing potatoes, mint and zucchini last year and do not plan on returning back to them (for now at least). They dry out to quickly for my watering schedule.
Pros:
– Air-pruning promotes healthy root development.
– Reusable and washable.
Cons:
– Can require more frequent watering due to increased air flow.
– Might need a waterproof tray underneath to catch water.
4. Self-Watering Seed Starter Kits
These kits include a water reservoir that reduces the need for frequent watering. They are great for maintaining consistent moisture levels, crucial for seed germination.
Pros:
– Reduces the need for frequent watering.
– Helps maintain consistent moisture levels, ideal for seed germination.
Cons:
– More expensive than simple containers.
– Can lead to overwatering if not monitored properly.
5. Soil Blockers
Rather than a traditional container, soil blockers create compact blocks of soil with a seed indent. This method eliminates the need for a container altogether and reduces transplant shock.
Pros:
– Eliminates the need for containers, reducing waste.
– Reduces transplant shock since there’s no container to remove.
Cons:
– Initial cost of the soil blocker can be high.
– Requires a mix that will hold together well, which may need experimentation.
6. Expandable Peat or Coir Pellets
These start as small disks and expand when watered. They are contained in a fine netting and can be placed directly into pots or the ground, reducing transplant stress.
Pros:
– Convenient and easy to use.
– Minimal transplant shock, as the entire pellet can be planted.
Cons:
– Cost per seedling can be higher than bulk options.
– Limited size can restrict root growth, requiring timely transplanting.
More Seed Starting Tips
- A Budget-Friendly Seed Starting Set-Up
- When to Start Seeds Indoors For Beginner Gardeners
- How to Start Flower Seeds Indoors for Spring Planting
About Caitlin
Brand strategist and professional photographer who went back to her roots and now helps families master the skills of food preservation, gardening, homemaking, from scratch recipes and simple home decor.
you’ll also love
How to Plan a Canning Garden (Preserve Your Own Food!)
How to Grow Tomatoes From Seed Indoors (19 Easy Tips)
How to Dry Hydrangeas
Join the List
Stay up to date & receive the latest posts in your inbox.
