Starting Seeds: The budget friendly way using egg cartons
For years I thought it was SO complicated and time consuming to start my seeds and keep them alive.
And I let that belief keep me from something that I’m now completely crazy about! Seed catalogs are a dangerous thing now. 😉
Last year, I had a seed packet that was almost “expired” (meaning the seeds may not be viable much longer), so I decided to just give it a go and hope for the best.
I used what I had on hand (egg cartons and aluminum pans) and bought a cheap grow light from Amazon. It was SHOCKING how simple it was to be successful!

And, here I am, absolutely in love with starting my own seeds indoors. If you’re like me—someone who loves the idea of gardening but gets a little intimidated by all the fancy gear out there—let me tell you, egg cartons are your new best friend.
This method is simple, budget-friendly, and so satisfying. Let me walk you through exactly how I did it (and how you can too!).
What You’ll Need:
- Empty egg cartons (cardboard ones work best, but plastic ones can work in a pinch)
- Seed-starting mix (not potting soil—this is important!)
- Seeds (vegetables, flowers, or a mix of both—your choice!)
- A waterproof tray or baking sheet
- A spray bottle with water
- Plastic wrap or a clear plastic lid
- A sunny windowsill or grow light (I’ve linked the one I used!)
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Start Seeds Indoors with Egg Cartons

Step 1: Prep Your Egg Cartons
First, grab your empty egg cartons. If you’re using cardboard ones, you’re in luck—they’re biodegradable and make transplanting super easy.
Cut off the lid and set it aside for now; you’ll use it as a drip tray later.
If you’re working with a plastic egg carton, just make sure to poke a small drainage hole at the bottom of each egg cup using a knife or a skewer.
Place your egg cartons on a waterproof tray or an old baking sheet to catch any water that might seep through. Trust me, you don’t want soggy counters!
Step 2: Add Seed-Starting Mix
Next, fill each egg cup with seed-starting mix. Don’t use regular potting soil; it’s too heavy for delicate seedlings. The seed-starting mix is light, airy, and designed to help those little seeds sprout.
I used a spoon to scoop it in, packing each cup about 80% full. Give the mix a gentle pat to even it out—but don’t compact it too much.
Step 3: Plant Your Seeds
Now for the fun part! Check the seed packet for planting depth instructions.
Most seeds only need to be buried about 1/4 inch deep, so don’t go overboard.
I used the tip of a pencil to make tiny holes, dropped in one or two seeds per cup, and gently covered them with a bit more seed-starting mix.
Pro Tip: Label each egg cup or row with the type of seed you planted. Use a permanent marker to write directly on the carton—simple and effective.
Or, you can cut a plastic sour cream or yogurt container into strips to use as plant markers.
Step 4: Water Gently
Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the soil until it’s evenly moist but not soggy. This step is key—pouring water directly can displace the seeds or compact the soil. You want the mix to feel like a wrung-out sponge.
You can also pour it into the pan, which encourages the roots to grow deeper to drink up the water (just don’t flood it!).

Step 5: Create a Mini Greenhouse
To keep the moisture in and create a warm, cozy environment for your seeds, cover the entire carton with plastic wrap or place it inside a clear plastic bag.
If you’re using a plastic egg carton with a lid, simply close it up. This mini greenhouse effect will speed up germination.
Place the setup in a warm spot—like on top of your fridge or near a sunny window.
Step 6: Wait and Watch
This is where the magic happens. Check on your seeds daily. As soon as you see the first sprouts peeking through the soil (usually within 7-14 days, depending on the seed type), remove the plastic wrap or lid.
Move the carton to a bright windowsill or place it under a grow light.
Keep the soil moist by misting it daily, but be careful not to overwater. Seedlings are delicate creatures, and too much water can cause them to rot.
Step 7: Thin Your Seedlings
Once your seedlings grow their first set of true leaves (the second set that appears), it’s time to thin them out. This means snipping off the weaker seedlings at the soil level, leaving only the strongest one in each cup.
I know it feels a little harsh, but trust me, it’s for the best. You’ll have nice, strong plants this way.
Step 8: Transplant When Ready
When your seedlings have grown a few inches tall and the weather outside is warm enough, it’s time to transplant them into your garden or larger pots.
If you’re using a cardboard egg carton, you can cut each cup apart and plant the whole thing directly into the soil—the carton will break down naturally. For plastic cartons, gently pop the seedlings out, being careful not to damage their delicate roots.
The easiest way to do this is to gently hold a leaf (NEVER the stem, once they break, the plant is a goner) and use a pencil to get under the roots to tease it out of the soil and pull it free.

Why I Loved This Method
Starting seeds indoors with egg cartons turned out to be such a rewarding project! It was inexpensive, mess-free, and gave me a head start on the growing season.
Plus, watching those little green shoots emerge was like a daily dose of joy.
It feels so good knowing that I started my veggie plant from seed, and in a few short months it will provide food for my family! You can do it!
FAQ: Common Questions About Starting Seeds Indoors
1. Can I use regular soil instead of seed-starting mix? No, regular soil is too dense for delicate seedlings. Seed-starting mix is specifically designed to be light and allow proper drainage and air circulation.
2. How often should I water my seeds? Mist the soil daily to keep it evenly moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to mold or root rot.
3. Can I reuse egg cartons for multiple seasons? Plastic egg cartons can be reused after cleaning, but cardboard ones are best for a single use since they break down over time.
4. Do I need a grow light, or is sunlight enough? If you have a very sunny windowsill that gets 6-8 hours of direct light, that might be enough. Otherwise, a grow light will provide more consistent results.
5. What seeds are best for beginners? Easy options include lettuce, tomatoes, marigolds, zinnias, and basil. They germinate quickly and are forgiving for beginners.
This method is beginner-friendly and gives you the chance to experience the joy of gardening from the very start. If you have more questions, drop them in the comments below.
Happy planting!
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