From the page: The disposable cup deserves a second chance
Idea 2
Stackable seed starter
Vegetable growers have always started delicate seeds in small trays before moving them to the garden bed — that way each little seedling is born protected. Stacked cups create a mini greenhouse: the air trapped at the top warms up and holds moisture, speeding up germination like a tiny glass greenhouse.
What you need
- 6 to 10 identical plastic cups
- Craft knife or scissors
- Light sifted soil (or soil mixed with sand)
- Lettuce, arugula, tomato, or kale seeds
- Water in a spray bottle
- A lid or another cup to close on top
How to make it
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1
Poke holes in the bottom of each cup so water drains — without drainage, the seeds rot.
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2
Cut each cup in half heightwise if you want shorter pots — shallow cups are ideal for seeds, which have short roots at first.
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3
Fill with sifted soil up to a finger's width from the rim and plant 2 or 3 seeds per cup, at a depth of about twice the seed's size.
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4
Spray water until well moistened — the spray bottle keeps the stream from digging up the tiny seeds.
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5
Arrange the cups side by side on a tray and cover with the lid or an upside-down cup — the trapped moisture speeds up germination within days.
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6
Once the first little leaves appear, remove the cover and move to a bright spot — now they need sun so they don't get leggy and weak.
Finishing touches
Write the seed name and date with a marker on each cup — you'll want to remember later. When the seedling has two true leaves, transplant cup and all into the bigger pot: the plastic breaks down or pops out whole to reuse next round.
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