Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to start seeds and prepare your garden for the growing season. If you begin seedlings indoors before the last frost, you may find yourself short on space and containers. Rather than buying commercial seed trays or pods, consider these practical, budget-friendly DIY options that repurpose common household items.

7 Creative Seed Starter Ideas to Try

Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Tubes

Save empty cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towels. Cut them to the desired height, fold or pinch the bottom to create a base, and fill with potting mix. When seedlings are ready for transplanting, simply set the whole tube into the ground—cardboard breaks down naturally in the soil—or tear it off and compost it.

Cardboard Egg Cartons

Cardboard egg cartons make tidy individual cells for seeds. They hold soil well, are biodegradable, and are easy to separate when it’s time to transplant. Avoid using plastic egg cartons since they don’t break down and can trap excess moisture.

Newspaper Pots

Make quick seed pots by wrapping strips of newspaper around a small glass or jar to form a cylinder, folding the bottom to close it, and then stuffing with potting mix. Newspaper pots are inexpensive, drain well, and can be planted directly into the soil—eliminating transplant shock.

Food and Juice Containers

Many food containers work well as seed starters: cut the tops off juice cartons, yogurt tubs, or clamshell produce boxes to create mini planters. Make drainage holes in the bottom, and reuse these containers for several seed cycles before recycling when they wear out.

Takeout Containers

Sturdy takeout containers can be repurposed as shallow seed trays. They’re ideal for sowing many small seeds at once. Just add drainage holes, label each section, and cover with a clear lid or plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse until seedlings emerge.

Ice Cube Trays

Plastic or silicone ice cube trays make excellent compartmentalized seed starters. Silicone trays are particularly useful because they flex, making it easier to pop out seedlings without damaging roots. Use trays for single seeds or to start cuttings and transplant when roots fill the cells.

Cupcake Cups

Paper cupcake cups can serve as short-term seed containers for fast-growing varieties. They break down quickly when planted, so they’re best for seedlings that will be transplanted soon. Make sure the cups are uncoated paper—waxed or heavily coated cups won’t decompose easily.

Ultimately, the best seed starter containers are the ones you already have on hand. Look around your home for cardboard, paper, and rigid plastic items you would otherwise discard, and give them a second life in the garden. Reusing household items reduces waste, saves money, and provides a simple, eco-friendly way to start your seeds for the season.