Biodegradable seed starter pots are a smart and eco-friendly way to kick off your gardening season. These homemade containers give your seedlings a healthy start and can often be planted directly into the soil, which reduces transplant shock and saves you time.
The best part is that you don’t need to spend money at the garden center, because most of the materials are already sitting around your home. Items like toilet paper rolls, citrus peels, and even egg cartons can be transformed into creative little planters in just minutes.
Not only will this help you recycle and reduce waste, but it will also give your seeds a cozy, nutrient-rich environment to grow.
With a little imagination, you can turn everyday household scraps into the perfect foundation for your garden’s future bounty. Here are 10 easy and natural seed starter pot ideas to try right now.
#1 Citrus Peel
Citrus peels make adorable and biodegradable seed starter pots. Simply cut an orange, lemon, or grapefruit in half, scoop out the inside, and you have a ready-made container.
The peel naturally holds moisture while slowly releasing nutrients into the soil. Punch a small drainage hole at the bottom to prevent soggy roots.
Once the seedlings are strong enough, plant the whole peel directly into your garden bed. Over time, the peel decomposes, enriching the soil around your growing plant.
#2 Empty Carton Boxes
Carton boxes, such as milk or juice containers, are sturdy and spacious enough for multiple seedlings. Cut them into smaller sections or use them whole, depending on the size of your seeds.
Make sure to rinse them out thoroughly and poke drainage holes at the bottom. Fill with soil, sprinkle in your seeds, and keep them in a sunny spot.
These boxes give roots plenty of room to develop before transplanting. Once ready, just peel away the carton or cut it open to transfer the seedlings outside.
#3 Disposable Muffin Pans
An old muffin pan can be reused as a perfect seed-starting tray. Line each cup with a piece of parchment or use paper baking liners for easy transplanting. Add soil, sow your seeds, and water lightly.
The cups are the ideal size for small seedlings and let you start several plants at once in neat rows. Keep the pan on a tray for easy movement in and out of the sunlight.
It’s a practical way to repurpose kitchenware that might otherwise be thrown out.
#4 Toilet Paper Rolls
Toilet paper rolls are a classic choice for homemade seed pots. Cut the roll in half, fold the bottom edges inward to create a base, and fill with soil. They’re just the right size for herbs, lettuce, or flower seeds.
The cardboard will soften when watered, making it easy for roots to push through once planted in the garden. Keep them upright in a tray to avoid tipping. It’s a zero-cost, biodegradable solution that helps you recycle while you grow.
#5 Newspaper Pots
Newspaper pots are lightweight, biodegradable, and surprisingly strong. Tear strips of newspaper, wrap them around a glass or small can, and fold the bottom to form a base.
Remove the can, and you’ll have a perfect little container ready for soil and seeds. The paper holds moisture well and breaks down quickly in the garden.
Place the pots in a tray to keep them stable and to catch excess water. This idea is simple, quick, and gives new life to old newspapers.
#6 Eggshell
Eggshells provide a natural, nutrient-rich environment for seedlings. Carefully crack your eggs near the top, clean out the shells, and save the halves. Fill them with potting mix and drop in your seeds.
Place the shells back in an egg carton to keep them steady while they sprout. When it’s time to plant, crush the bottom slightly before burying the whole shell in the soil. The calcium in the shell strengthens the roots and boosts soil health.
#7 Paper Cups
Paper cups are another everyday item you can turn into seed pots in seconds. Simply poke a few drainage holes in the bottom, add soil, and sow your seeds.
Their size makes them perfect for slightly larger seedlings that need more space to grow. They’re easy to move around and can be decorated for fun with kids.
Once planted in the ground, the paper will eventually break down and feed the soil. It’s a practical way to recycle and garden at the same time.
#8 Egg Cartons
Egg cartons are an excellent option for starting multiple seedlings in one go. Fill each compartment with soil and a seed, then water gently. Keep the carton on a waterproof tray to catch any drips.
Cardboard cartons can be cut into sections and planted directly into the soil later. Styrofoam cartons aren’t biodegradable but can still be reused as seed trays for several seasons. This is an ideal solution for gardeners with limited space.
#9 Pulp Paper Pots
Pulp paper pots, often made from recycled materials, are biodegradable and very seed-friendly. You can make your own by mixing paper scraps with water to form a pulp, then pressing the mixture into small molds.
Once dried, these pots are sturdy and ready for planting. They retain moisture while slowly decomposing in the soil. Fill them with potting mix, plant your seeds, and watch them thrive. Over time, the pot itself enriches the soil as it breaks down.
#10 Cereal Box Paper Mache
Cereal boxes can be turned into creative seed pots using papier-mache. Tear the cardboard into small pieces, soak them in water, and mash them into a pulp. Press the mixture into molds and let them dry completely.
These homemade pots are durable and fully compostable once you transfer them to the ground. Plant your seeds in them as you would in any other container. It’s a fun way to recycle colorful cereal boxes while giving your garden a healthy start.