Egg cartons & Toilet Paper Rolls - What You NEED to Know about Starting Seeds in Them

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for all your recent questions about starting seeds in egg cartons and toilet papers rolls! Your questions challenged me to experiment and seek out the BEST way of using them for seed starting indoors.I hope you enjoy this video, and feel free to drop your own tricks in the comments for other viewers to see. Have a great weekend 🌱Valerie

[@charliezicolillo]

egg cartons are to small for seed starting use a 7 oz cup.

[@NowGardening]

@@charliezicolillo Thanks for your tip

[@ajknaup3530]

Thank you. I'd run into the same difficulty with keeping the egg carton nursery damp as you mentioned in your video. This year I expect to nestle the cartons in a peet moss bed.

[@lindamcconnell9441]

I use the half shell for starting the seeds. Set them back in the carton to keep them upright. Then I plant in the shell. I set them in the hole then gently break the shell. It works every time. My parents taught me that.

[@rosaleecabrera2890]

Glad I saw your video since I am saving my egg cartons for growing seeds. Will explore other recyclables

[@cc83jc85]

Thanks, I only found you today! I WAS going to use egg cartons as I did many years ago…but now, I’ll use half the toilet rolls only! Thanks so much!

[@NowGardening]

You’re welcome and thanks for your comment. I tossed some egg cartons in as filler on a new raised bed today. That was a much better use of them than as seed starting containers!

[@orion1736]

Thank you!! I am a beginner gardener and I’ve been saving egg cartons to use. So glad I watched this video before I started anything!!

[@NowGardening]

You’re so welcome! I’m glad it was helpful!

[@ekaterinasergeyeva453]

Thank you for an honest opinion. Some ideas look good but aren't really. Thank you for trying it out and telling us what mistakes to avoid!

[@NowGardening]

You’re welcome. I’m glad it was helpful, and I hope it saved your some seed starting frustration!

[@drewncarolina6381]

When starting most seeds I cover with vermiculite. There are a few exceptions where seed require sunlight so you can't, but in general my seeds germinate faster and stay wetter whenever I can use vermiculite.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for sharing what works for you. Tips are always welcome!

[@mrscaldwell3147]

Great tip, thank you, and may the peace of God be with you and your loved ones everyday; Watching from Colorado!

[@NowGardening]

Hi Mrs. Caldwell and welcome back. Thanks for your kind message 🤍

[@sherry-martinbuehler6035]

I too cut rolls in half but I also cut bottoms and fold as you would re close the 4 flaps on a box. Being more square- ish they fit easily into refurbished containers. Like not having to remove to plant in garden. Egg cartons got moldy quickly; used only once.

[@NowGardening]

I’m going to have to give your folding method a try. Someone asked me about it the other day, but I’ve never done that technique before. Definitely love planting out the rolls directly. They’re perfect for an easy transplant of small plants like greens.

[@patriciancube394]

I have used egg cartons before and the roots tried to attach to the carton. Thank you for sharing.

[@NowGardening]

Exactly my experience...if I even get seeds to germinate at all since the cartons dry out so fast.

[@mommyof4grlz]

I cut my egg cartons apart and put them in a tray while germinating. Then I can transplant the whole thing since it is compostable.

[@jackseamon7064]

Egg carton toss! 😂👍 I'm going to try starting seedlings in Keurig coffee/tea pods. I always remove the used grounds/tea leaves for my compost pile, so the empty pods will be readily available. I realize I'll have to transplant promptly, but my garden space is tiny, so this experiment will be to scale.

[@NowGardening]

Hi Jack! That’s a new one for me, and I hope you’ll share how it goes. I love that you open them up for the grounds. I really should do this for my pods too. As for the toss, after days of babysitting those egg cartons I was more than a little over it! 😂

[@pingupenguin2474]

I have been using toilet roll inners to start peas/ beans for a number of years. Protects them from mice till past the interesting stage for the critters ! Tried egg boxes for small seeds, but nothing much grew in them for me ( possibly not the right compost) I had my doubts anyway as I think they are too small, the seedlings would not have reached the right stage for transplant before they have outgrown the egg box. Just my opinion, if it works for you, great. I have just received a leaflet from a charity I support which includes instructions on how to fold the pages into a seed pot once I have finished reading it ! Looking forward to trying that out !!

[@NowGardening]

Hi, thanks for sharing your experiences. I hope you have many harvests ahead this year 😊

[@ajknaup3530]

Thanks for the tip re: covering egg cartons for seed germination. I plan to cover all my garden seeds this year 'til germination.

[@NowGardening]

You’re welcome. Hope it helps!

[@jondennert]

Re toilet rolls i don't cut them in half though i might try it however i do cut 3 slits in the bottom and fold it over to make a base, i also use the plastic tray but instead of watering form above i half full the tray with water the rolls are far more sturdy than you think especially when theyre living in a tray. This has the added bonus of making the seedling reach down for the the water source helping develop its roots. It also softens Up the cardboard to make it possible to plant the tube although i do tear off the bottom and if its easy enough ill split the tube too

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for sharing your tips and what has worked for you 😊

[@pahasiga]

Same here! I actually ran my rolls under water before cutting flaps and setting them in tray so that they'd be more easily molded into shape I want without breaking. I put my rolls first into tray and then fill them with an old tablespoon or similar. Just don't use rolls that are advertised as "can be flushed", those disintegrate way too fast. Another thing that I use toilet paper rolls is when I plant out small seedlings that have only two true leaves or so - I stick a dry toilet paper roll around them to keep away the snails who would finish my seedlings off with one bite.

[@EarthsMedicine]

Learnt something new today. Thanks for sharing Valerie. Hope you're fully recovered from that bug. Have a great weekend!

[@NowGardening]

Thanks, Monique, I’m getting there 💚 Glad to hear that you learned something new. Have a wonderful weekend!

[@gardeningwithnanay]

It was one of my mistake to start seeds in egg carton too before! I will not do it again LOL! I liked the result of corn started in toilet paper because it was less disturbance for the roots. I am excited for another gardening season!

[@NowGardening]

It’s so good to hear from you! I’m sure you’re getting antsy to get started! By the way, I keep waiting for someone to say they love egg cartons and I’m wrong, but it seems unanimous that anyone who has tried them dislikes them! I hadn’t thought of corn in the tp rolls, but that’s a great idea. I think I’m going to give that a try!

[@rochelleholloman]

OMG! I should’ve looked at your video before I started with egg cartoons. My seedlings look like they are on stilts 😢😂

[@johnafagerquist8235]

Been gardening for over twenty years. Finally going to start some plants indoors. So glad you talked me back from the egg carton cliff. Besides, we're gonna need them, as we are adding at least 12 more hens to the flock this year. Love your videos! I 😁👍

[@NowGardening]

Thanks John. I’m so glad to hear this was helpful and that you have a better use for those egg cartons. I’m using egg cartons to chit potatoes this season, which seems to be working well. I can relate to what you said about gardening for years but never starting seeds indoors until now. We had a garden when I was growing up and never did this either, so learning the process was a whole new element of gardening for me a few years back. Thanks again for your comment and have a good weekend.

[@SaphfireStorm]

These are two options that I have not yet tried. Thanks for the review.

[@NowGardening]

The egg cartons have been one of the fillers I’ve used for my raised beds this year.

[@Alyss93]

I'm trying out the tp rolls for the first time this year, and so far so good. I like that it's easy to water them from below because of the gaps in between, and they're also much sturdier than the newspaper pots that some people make. I agree with the egg cartons 100%. I tried them a few years ago, and it was as if I'd never watered them every day. Same goes for the tiny 1" pots that some places sell. No water retention!

[@NowGardening]

I’m glad to hear the tp rolls are working for you. I just planted out onions in tp rolls yesterday. I’m glad I’m not alone in my dislike of egg cartons as seed starters. I think the 1-inch pots you mention are maybe the ones I also avoid since I’ve also had problems with them in the past. Good luck with your seed starting and the growing season ahead!

[@BARBSCOUNTRYHOME999]

I tried egg cartons and i didn't care for them.. Haven't tried tp rolls. Great demonstration my friend.🌱

[@NowGardening]

Thanks, Barb. It seems like were all in the same page about egg cartons. Take care 💚 Val

[@RooftopGardeningwithInsha]

16 lk wonderful and very helpful video sharing dear friend 💖

[@NowGardening]

Thank you so much 😊

[@ghendar]

I save egg cartons to use in the compost pile when I need a brown (carbon) ingredient. Seems to me to be a better use than as seed starters.

[@NowGardening]

I’ll say amen to that! Great for compost, not so great for seed starting

[@Nora_meow99]

Great 👍 Thanks for sharing friend

[@NowGardening]

Thank you 😊

[@linguaphile42]

I have four containers of tp 1/2 rolls going now, for about a week. One plant is up, the Blue Flax, I think. Thing is, the sides of the tp rolls are molding slightly. Most of the comments on Reddit say this really isn't a problem, but I don't like it. Other than that, I like them as there has been less need to water than when I used the pods, and I think roots will be encouraged to grow long and out of the bottom without being stunted or blocked. Love experimenting.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve only seen mold if it stays on the heat mat too long (like some long-germinating seeds). It shouldn’t cause a problem for the seedling, but it’s a sign to make sure your heat/ventilation/watering are correct. Like you, I’m looking forward to experimenting more and seeing exactly which seedlings do best in tp rolls!

[@dana102083]

You must have a humid environment!!

[@survivormary1126]

I'll donate the egg cartons on craigslist seeing some people asking before and I'm just going to use the container itself like the one you showed (I get mushrooms in). Thanks for the answer!

[@cindynichols1342]

Great tips! THANKS :)

[@NowGardening]

My pleasure. Thanks for taking the time to leave me a comment :)

[@SuperLazyGarfield]

I like your upcycling ideas. I've started using yoghurt pots before I saw ur video. Just wondering if you have any upcycling ideas for see-through plastic covers for outdoor winter use? I've used the cut top of soda bottles with pricked holes but as some of my veg like pak choi and pointed cabbages are getting bigger, the bottle tops are looking a bit tight. I'm looking for ideas.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for your comment. I've reused an assortment of things around the house, things like see-through buckets and even a cracked, clear salad bowl at one time! Making a simple cold frame from a wood pallet or scraps of wood and reusing a single pane glass (or plastic/plexiglass) on top of it might be an option for you. Good luck finding a solution that works 😊

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

We're with you on egg cartoons. We use them to hold seed potatoes while chitting them. Toilet paper rolls are decent if you like "fiddly" imo. I know people like them for broad beans and peas, but I have seen a huge benefit over traditional methods. Peas in gutters works great for us :) Awesome Val !! Cheers 🌱👍🌱

[@NowGardening]

Hi J&C. I love that idea for egg cartons, especially since I just saw yesterday that my seed potatoes have gotten a bit out of control in my basement 😅 I direct sowed my peas as I always do, but they’ve been slow to take off this year due to our weather. I’m really thinking to go back and try your gutter approach. I remember you guys had phenomenal results last year!

[@clivesconundrumgarden]

@Now Gardening we going to direct sow more I think. Working on the farm showed us how successful that can be, and generally produces a stronger plant !!

[@mvnman6807]

I start my seedlings using a paper towel and a sandwich baggie. Put one sheet paper towel in the baggie. Add seeds and enough water to dampen the towel. close and zip, keeping some air inside the system. Place in a warm dark place until seeds germinate. Then, I took paper towel out and tore/cut towel to separate seedlings. I used egg cartoons(bottom only) this year for first time. Placed separated seedlings in egg cartoon and cover with soil. When I have emerence, I got a plastic container large enough to hold egg cartoon. Filled 2-3 inches soil in container, poked holes in bottom of egg cartoon and placed in plastic container. Filled with soil and watered. Seems to be working fine. I did notice the top of the egg cartoon seems to wick the water away. My system works for small quantities of seeds. I have peppers, tomatoes, cantelopes and watermelons started.

[@DiggingForHealth]

Great tips! I fold the bottom of the toilet paper rolls. I don't like using egg cartons either! lol

[@NowGardening]

That’s a good tip too! Thanks for sharing

[@adamroberts4621]

I agree with you about the egg cartons, I have used toilet rolls and something use a full roll but food the bottom over so there's no risk of the contents falling out. I'm not a real fan of either tho.

[@NowGardening]

Hi Adam. Thanks for your comment. Agree 100%. Neither are my favorite seed starting containers either

[@KellyStenhoff]

Thank you-- this was SUPER helpful for me as I explore growing my own seedlings for the first time this year! I have seen some videos online that instruct to cut flaps in the toilet paper rolls and fold them inwards. Is there an advantage to keeping them open? I am a bit wary that folding could retain too much water/not have enough drainage, but at the same time, a fully open bottom maybe too much drainage! I suppose I could try both ways and see which way produces better seedlings.

[@NowGardening]

Hi Kelly. I don’t think it would hurt anything if you cut flaps on the rolls. It might help keep the soil in, but I would expect them to disintegrate quickly once you start watering the plants. It’s an extra step that has never been necessary since I don’t move the tp rolls from their tray until potting up or transplanting. Hope this helps!

[@GrandmaSandy]

Thank you so much for a great video I watch from the beginning to the end it seemed like the toilet paper rolls for the easiest and smartest way to go. Thanks for sharing how you went about it. Hugs and kisses from grandma Sandy. I always love watching your video if you come up with some great garden tips hugs and kisses from grandma, Sandy and Debbie.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for watching and yes, I’d definitely give my vote to tp rolls if you’re going to use either!

[@dwwcoder5048]

I have gathered Toilet paper rolls for the larger seed pods of squash and beans as to be better stabilizers.

[@NowGardening]

Smart, I didn't think of that. I typically direct sow my squash and beans, but this is a good idea for those who don't.

[@jessicaadamsot]

Egg cartons did not work out for me. They started off really well inside a plastic salad container with a lid. After a while, I noticed mold growing on the egg cartons. I repotted them and stopped using egg cartons. They are okay for starting seeds, but have to be transplanted pretty quickly so I like your idea of reusing plastic containers better.

[@NowGardening]

Hi Jessi. It sounds like we've had similar experiences. If you really manage to keep them from drying out, they are quick to mold. So many better ways to start seeds in my opinion!

[@andreanease4215]

Any ideas on what to use for a lid that’s cheap/ recyclable? Needs holes right?

[@gatopedrorio]

Excelente. Brasil. Rio de Janeiro

[@NowGardening]

Thank you and a big welcome from here in France

[@chrispigott6913]

I use the toilet rolls and egg boxes in my compost bin since I have no dead leaves.

[@NowGardening]

That’s a great idea

[@JustinDOehlke]

Imo, reusing things is always beneficial, even if the effects aren't immediately or measurably felt. The paper egg cartons are easy to manage with heavy-duty scissors. You just have to be careful about the timing. So, I would use them for second plantings or fall garden.

[@NowGardening]

Hi Justin. Thanks for your comment. I’m definitely a fan of reusing, whether it’s as a seed starting container or as brown matter for your compost. Another things that works great for egg cartons is to use them for chirping potatoes as recommended by a fellow KZbinr Clives’s Conundrum. Thanks for adding your tips to the comment thread.

[@JustinDOehlke]

@@NowGardening I just discovered your channel. Thank you for all the hard work you put into sharing with us.

[@NowGardening]

@@JustinDOehlke Thanks, Justin, and welcome to my channel. I want others to love gardening, so I try to find ways to simplify it so it's not overwhelming. Have a good day

[@dana102083]

@@NowGardening what is chirping potatoes?

[@OffGridInvestor]

I have a bunch of reusable propagation trays of 8 cells. I have had them for years and just reuse them. Otherwise it's paper cups for coffee that have an internal coating. Roots don't stick whereas plain ones for cold drinks, the roots will attach to the cup.

[@NowGardening]

Smart idea about the paper cups. Thanks for sharing your tips

[@mamao823]

I started my seedlings this year using TP rolls but noticed yesterday that fuzzy mold started growing on my TP rolls. 😢 How do I get rid of those molds without losing my seedlings? Or, is it okay to just let them on the rolls? I’m afraid that those mold spores or whatever there’re called might spread all over my house?

[@NowGardening]

Hi, sorry for the late reply. I would move them into a different container with fresh soil if it’s moldy. It sounds like your seedlings got too much heat/moisture which can cause mold. If the seedlings have collapsed, then you probably have an issue called damping off in which fungal growth kills off the seedlings. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck fixing this

[@coquelin]

Thank you for this video!! I definitely will stay away from those 2 methods.

[@NowGardening]

Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your seed starting!

[@firegrillin365]

🔥🔥🔥

[@halloweenhopes7427]

OMG, thank you, this is great and I'm going to save a lot of time from your valuable video. Best regards, Halloween Hopes.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks, I'm glad this helps!

[@melelconquistador]

I cut some of the rolls into tabs to make it look like a jelly fish. I fold the tabs in to close the bottoms. I agree that egg cartons are too shallow with not much room to grow.

[@NowGardening]

Smart idea 👍🏻 thanks for sharing it

[@earthwyrm6756]

Seems mold is less of a concern if little of the cardboard is exposed. I've started many plants successfully in half TP rolls packed 12 to an 8 oz mushroom box placed to catch light from a sunny window. Pack tightly & fill to top with soil. Told my friend who used them whole & they got moldy. Hydrogen peroxide helps plants germinate and is antifungal, so could add 1 tablespoon regular 3% hydrogen peroxide per pint to watering can.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips. I love when viewers add comments that help other growers 😊

[@jarretv5438]

The egg carton probably dried out quickly because of the heat mat

[@NikosKatsikanis]

cheers 🎉🎉🎉

[@jondennert]

Hi also if you want your toilet rolls to sit nicely in a tray remember its just cardboard so squash it flat then squash it flat in the other direction and your tube is now a rectangle, cut about a centimetre ish up each corner on one end and fold them in and you have a tube that lines up nicely in a tray and doesn't fall All over the place

[@catapultx4411]

I use toilet paper rolls but I don't cut them in half.

[@NowGardening]

Most people do like you do, but I prefer them short for starting seeds. Personal preference, no right or wrong 😊

[@lindiewiese9750]

Instead of cutting the lid off the egg carton off cover it with cling wrap (lid only) and close the egg carton at night.

[@NowGardening]

Thanks for sharing what works for you.

[@ajlived6034]

Give egg cartons to small egg sellers, they are always in need of egg cartons : )

[@NowGardening]

Smart idea. Thanks for sharing. I’ve recently started buying egg from a local lady, and I give her cartons back for reuse.

[@melissaculpepper7663]

What brand of gloves are you wearing?

[@NowGardening]

Hi Melissa. I’m traveling right now, but I’ll get back to you when I get home later this week and can check the label. I love these gloves but really don’t remember the brand.

[@Pushyhog]

genius and beautiful u R.

[@NowGardening]

Thank you

[@ElainesDomain]

Try Styrofoam egg cartons. They don't work but you can reuse them over and over. Excellent for those that never finish a project anyway.

[@NowGardening]

Hi Elaine! I didn’t even know they still made styrofoam egg cartons. We haven’t had them here for years, but yes I can imagine there are lots of reuses for them like we do with plastic. Have a great weekend

[@ElainesDomain]

@@NowGardening It's just a joke. Hope you're feeling better.

[@gatopedrorio]

🥰❗️🥰❗️🥰❗️🔆🔆

[@NowGardening]

Thanks so much!

[@beckysharpe7268]

Egg cartons are good for chitting potatoes, but not sowing.

[@NowGardening]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@katherineking3174]

What about chemicals in the cardboard!?

[@NowGardening]

Valid point. Countries have different rules although the EU where I live tends to have stringent rules, or at least more so than the US for example. Do your homework before loading your compost with anything that might not be chemical free.

[@karinknol6509]

My toilet paper rolls get mouldy in a few days after sowing in them

[@NowGardening]

Try only spraying the seeds until they germinate and then watering like I show in video once your seedlings are up. I haven’t had any problems with mold, but you’re not the first person to tell me that they have. Hope this helps!

[@tkjho]

If you did not tear off the top of the egg carton, the soil would not dry out that fast.

[@NowGardening]

It still dries out as fast unfortunately, but thanks for the suggestion. I’ve tried many different variations and believe there are much better seed starting containers than egg cartons.

[@joijoi617]

Chemicals!

[@tryagain76]

Egg cartons were a disaster for me

[@NowGardening]

Sorry to hear that. I stay away from them myself

[@mrg7407]

If it Aint Broke Don't Fix It .

[@NowGardening]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@Ebees_Map]

It doesn't work for me. It won't germinate the seeds. Even if I transplanted it to the egg carton after the seeds germinated it will die...

[@WildStyleBeats]

Please! Coir is pronounced “Kho-yer”

[@NowGardening]

I live in France where it's pronounced "fibre de coco"

[@moowam1]

Just get to the f'ing point!