5 Free Ideas For Seed Starter Setup
Seed starter setup is easy with our 5 seed starter ideas. You should know your hardiness zone, check your soil pH level, source free seeds, make your own paper seed starter pots or toilet paper seed starters, and provide care for your planted seeds.
Know Your Zone
Many beginner gardeners are so excited to start planting that they do not take time to plan. Planning a garden gives your seed starter setup the best chance to thrive. You must first, know your hardiness zone. The hardiness zone is, according to Wikipedia, “a geographic area defined as having a certain range of annual minimum temperature, a factor relevant to the survival of many plants.” In other words, if it is too cold for your seedlings when they start growing, you may have problems. In fact, beans shoot up in a few days and can become quite tall within a few weeks. Tall shoots ready to plant during a cold snap might mean you need to start your seeds again. Don’t make this beginner mistake. Here’s a link to our hardiness zone page for optimal seed starter setup.
Check Your Soil pH Level
It is critical to know the pH level of your soil before you start planting. The correct pH in soil allows your plant to draw up the optimal nutrients through its root system. If the soil is too alkaline or acidic, your plant will not be able to eat well. It cannot obtain the vitamins and nutrients it needs to grow strong. You will probably get plants started without this step but you might not get vegetables. Here is a link to my post about how to check pH at home without special equipment and how to improve your soil. This is crucial for seed starter setup.
Find Free Seeds For Seed Starter Setup
I know that seeds do not cost a lot. And, my favorite past-time is looking at seed catalogs. In fact, I have a blog post here about some of the ultimate seed catalogs. But, if you want access to free seeds, you can search for seed libraries or seed exchanges. Seedsavers.org has a database of seed savers on their exchange. You can also search on Facebook or reddit groups and ask people if they have seeds to share. You might even start your own seed sharing group.
However, some of the best seeds come from seed growers because they ensure quality. Keep seed catalogs in mind. But, if quality is not your only priority, seed saving and sharing finds like-minded gardening friends, groups, and exchanges. It a great way to meet people with green thumbs.
Use These Free Seed Starter Pots
Seed starter setup should include biodegradable seed starter pots. You probably have a lot of free options around your home. Here are some free ideas:
- egg shells
- egg cartons
- shredded paper mache (link to making paper mache pots)
- toilet paper rolls or paper towel roll seed starters
- paper muffin cup seed starters (needs an aluminum muffin tin to keep its shape)
All of these ideas are planted, pot and all, into the ground when your garden is ready. No need to disturb the seedling’s tender roots.
How to make square origami newspaper seed starters
Take Care Of Your Seed Starter Setup
Seed starting in newspaper is safe and biodegradable. There are many benefits to starting your seeds using these methods including:
- environmentally friendly since you plant the pot
- budget friendly, many are free or reuse what would be trash
- great for seedlings since you don’t disturb the roots when planting
- fun to make (teach your kids to help!)
Paper pots are only meant to be used a short time. They can be used for several weeks and up to a month but watering will affect the paper. Make sure there is plenty of space between the pots for air, so mold does not form.
How to Plant and Water Your Seed Starter Setup
Add moist soil to the paper seed starter. Use a pencil or your finger to make a small dent in the soil. Put the seeds into the indentation and cover lightly with soil. Place the seed starter pot into a seed tray. Put the seed tray in a sunny window or sunny indoor location. To water, fill the seed tray with about 1 inch of water. Do not water seedlings from the top. Make sure to empty the water out of the tray within 30 minutes of water, otherwise your pots may turn to mush. Allow the paper pot, not the soil, to dry out before watering again.
Conclusion
Seed starter setup does not need to be complicated or expensive. You only need household items to create seed starting pots and if you compost, you have soil as well. Many paper seed pots are free. I hope you found this useful. Please let me know in the comments below if you tried making origami newspaper pots or any other free seed starter methods.
