Need tips for growing seeds indoors cheap? These five tips are items you probably have right now laying around your home.
It is just about that time to start seeds indoors. This is one thing I have been doing for the past 8 years and I truly love it.
If you need to learn how to actually plant the seeds read my post here.
There is something quite incredible about taking a little seed and watching it until harvest time. If you haven’t tried your hand at using seeds I highly recommend just starting one plant.
The cost alone is so much cheaper and the whole journey is remarkable. I just started this blog a few months ago so at this time I didn’t take any pictures of my seedlings last year so instead, I wanted to give you a roundup of creative ways us frugal farm girls can start seeds inside.
Not only are seeds cheap, you can plant them in items that are cheap as well! Win-Win situation.
- Wondering when you can start seeds indoors? The Old Farmer’s Almanac has a very handy guide here.
What better way to start saving up your K-cups (Which for real BJ’s has the best price on K-cups!) than to start your seeds indoors in these little bad boys. Check out this tutorial on how to start your seeds using your old K-cups!
Okay, we have all seen the creative crafts we can make with the kiddos using our toilet paper rolls BUT have you ever thought about using them for your seedlings? I sure haven’t until I saw this tutorial on using toilet paper rolls for seeds.
If you follow me on my deal blog we were able to score a year subscription to the Wall Street Journal. That was every day of receiving a newspaper. Sure it makes for great kindling for the fire- but honestly, this makes a far better use. Frugal girls rejoice this is a fabulous way to start your seeds indoors.
Check out this tutorial on how to use newspaper and turn it into a seedling planter!
Maybe you don’t want to buy any seeds, but what if I told you-you could grow something from what’s already in your fridge? Here is a creative and frugal way to regrow fresh produce.
Now if you are serious about growing and preserving enough food to last you until the next growing season Ann has some great tips to get started with indoor seeds and lighting.
My Personal Frugal Tips to Start Seeds:
- Use leftover plastic garden containers you previously bought flowers in. Or save yours from this upcoming season to start seeds in.
- Egg cartons are a great way to start seeds indoors.
- Label your containers. Don’t think you will remember like I have done so many times in the past and then can’t!
- Use Yoplait Kids Plastic Cups/ or any other item in your kitchen to start your seeds indoors.
- Use Plastic wrap over each of your homemade containers until your seed sprouts to keep in the warmth.
- Use Seed Starting Soil Mix– it’s lighter. The other stuff may work or it may not. Being frugal is not having to spend more money because we tried to save money and go the cheap route 😉
- Be careful with watering. You won’t need to water at all while you have the plastic wrap on. You will want to mist the plants because as they sprout they are not strong. After my years of seeds and knowing I can easily over water I put all my pots into a tray and then pour water into the bottom of the tray. So the plants take in the water from the bottom.
- I use warm water to mix in with my seed starting soil.
- Seeds sprout best at temperatures of 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C).
- You must keep only one plant in each pot. When I started I thought it was a waste to just kill off one plant when I had two perfectly growing. It is a must now. Just clip the others down. Keep the one that is the straightest and looks the best.
- Enjoy! It is amazing to watch the whole process and enjoy the harvest!
Iowa has a senior meal program called “Meals. On Wheels”. The plastic 3 section containers are durable plastic, and wash easily. I had my Mom save hers for me, but most older people are happy to save recycling for a project, and those little trays work perfectly to start seeds. I use a teaspoon to separate seedlings into individual containers if needed, or transplant to a bed or pot, after they acclimate outside a week.
I love that tip. Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂
I pick up baked goods for our local food pantry from Tops and when they have the 18 pack cupcakes I keep those containers for myself to start seeds in. they have individual cups and the top closes so instant mini greenhouse .
I also do the same with the cake tops. I put two of the tops together One on top of the other can just tape one side so I can open it up and again instant greenhouse.
That is such a smart idea! I love it. Thank you for sharing.