Wild about nature – plant seeds in recycled egg boxes
Planting season is in full bloom and you might be thinking about how you can give your garden a new lease of life. Instead of buying plastic seed starter pots or expensive seed kits, try a free material from home that would you usually throw out – plant seeds in egg boxes!
You can get the whole family involved in this simple and fun seed planting activity, as it’s a great way to teach children about nature and repurposing household items that are no longer needed.
There are plenty of seeds you can plant this time of year that will love the spring air and sunshine, from pretty wildflowers to attract wildlife or herbs to add to dinners. So, get planting this weekend and soon your seedlings will be spouting.
What you’ll need:
- 1 or more egg boxes depending on how many seeds you want to grow
- Some seeds (herbs of wildflowers are great choices)
- Compost or seed compost/soil (empty into a container to make it easier for little hands to dig)
- A trowel/spoon – or get your hands dirty!
- Watering can
What to do:
- Cut the top off your egg box, and use the bottom half (where the eggs go) to plant seeds in, and the top half as a tray to keep it strong
- Fill the egg box with soil/compost
- Make a hole with your finger in each section and place in the seeds
- Cover the seeds with some soil
- Water the seeds slowly and gently
- Place on a windowsill in a sunny spot
- Check on your seeds and seedlings every day, and water them when the soil is dry
- When the plants are 3- 5 cm high transplant either into a pot or plant in the ground depending what seeds they are
Head back here next month for the next Wild About Nature activity and don’t forget to take a photo of your planted egg box and seedlings and tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
