Egg Carton Seed Starters

Turn an empty egg carton into tiny seed-starting pots. It’s a simple Earth Day activity that teaches kids how plants grow—and it reuses something you’d normally throw away.

15-25 minutes Ages 3-12 5 steps may need help

About This Project

A 15–25 minutes craft for ages 3–12, using supplies you likely already have — Seeds, Sharpie Markers, and Scissors.

GlueStick supports kids from setup to cleanup. After they choose a project, we guide them through gathering the supplies, making it, and cleaning up when they're done. We'll even help them share it safely with trusted family and friends.

Ad-free and kid-safe library — designed by a mom who wants kids to explore and create independently.

Step 1: Set up your cartons

SHARP! Grown-up required May need grown-up help

Use a pencil or something pointy to poke drainage holes in the bottom of each cell of your egg carton. If you're planting multiple types of seeds, use a marker to write what you planted in the lid of each carton.

Step 2: Add soil

Follow the instructions on your seed starting mix for adding the appropriate amount of water. It's important to add water to the mix BEFORE putting it into your cartons. Cartons are so small there just isn't enough space to mix it together. Once prepared, spoon soil into each egg cup until it's about 3/4th full.

Step 3: Plant seeds

May need grown-up help

Follow the instructions on your seed packed to plant your seeds at the correct depth. Some seeds need 1/4-1/2 inch. Others can be sprinkled on top. If required, pinch a little soil over the seeds to cover them.

Step 4: Water gently

May need grown-up help

Mist with a spray bottle or gently spoon water until the soil is evenly damp as needed. Pouring too much water too quickly can cause your seeds to flood or your egg cartons to mold.

Step 5: Place in the sun

Find a sunny spot for your seeds to grow. Check on them daily and water as needed.

Step 6: Observe

May need grown-up help

Consider keeping a garden journal: * When do the first sprouts appear? * Which cup grows fastest? * What was the weather each day? Observe your plants: Do plants lean toward the window? Try rotating your tray to force them to grow straight and tall. Is more than one seedling growing per egg cup? Thin them out by pulling the weaker looking ones. How many sets of leaves do they have? Egg cartons are small, so they'll need to be transplanted soon after germinating.

Step 7: Transplant

SHARP! Grown-up required May need grown-up help

When seedlings have 2–3 sets of leaves (or look crowded), move them to a bigger pot or plant them directly in the garden. Follow the instructions on your seed packet to make sure the weather is ready for your seedlings to go outside. How to transplant: - Water the carton lightly. - Tear or cut apart the egg cups. - Gently loosen the bottom of each cup so roots can grow out. You may want to use a scissors to cut your drainage hole a little larger - Plant the whole cup in soil (the cardboard will break down over time).

Egg Carton Seed Starters

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