Budget-wise and Eco-friendly Seed Starting
Don’t let a tight budget stop you from starting seeds indoors. Get creative and involve the whole family in the process.
Share or swap seeds. Most packets have more seeds than one gardener needs. Or offer to start seeds for your favorite gardener. They may be willing to fund the experience in return for your time and effort raising transplants for you and them.
Recycle paper cups, yogurt containers, and fast food containers into seed-starting pots. Just clean and punch holes in the bottom for drainage.
Or create your own pots from newspaper. Fold squares of paper into pots using origami or roll strips of newspaper around a 2” diameter or bigger dowel rod, rolling pin or juice glass. Fold up the bottom edge to form a bottom. Fill with a well-drained potting mix and set in a flat, tray or saucer.
A bit more information: Don’t overlook all the pots, flats, and cell packs in your or your gardening friend’s garage. Clean them before planting by immersing them in one part bleach and nine parts water. Rinse with clear water and you are ready to plant.
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