Years ago, I bought several packs of styrofoam cups. I know, not very ecological of me BUT since I am very careful with handling them, I can reuse these as well. I still have some from the first year we moved up here and they are still going strong.

Also, whenever we hit a Costco and buy things in bulk, I save the cardboard trays – usually they have plastic wrapped around the outside.

I don’t pull off the plastic as it adds another layer of protection during watering. I’ll keep seedling pots in these trays until I can move the plants out to the garden. The trays are really strong, especially with the plastic on. We keep every styrofoam tray we can get our hands on too – they are handy for putting seedling plants in our windowsills.

If you aren’t doing it already, save every type of container you can find. I have had these little seedling containers for years (picture above). Although they are good when first sowing seed, because they are so small, I end up having to transplant them. This is something I avoid if I can. I don’t mind transplanting once but don’t like having to do it more than that.  I’ll find someone to pass them along to or just get rid of them. I don’t like using them.

Using the styrofoam cups works the best for me – I seed them in the cups, and don’t transplant again until I am ready to pop them into the garden.

Easy is best! Why create extra work for yourself? Reusing your pots and trays is cheap, cheap, cheap. There is no point in spending lots of money on those trays with the cell packs and covers. For every move you make planning and starting your veggie garden, think about it. Is there a way to use free materials, or reuse something you already have?

I seed the cups in my potting room, then move them into my seedling room, where the Gman has hung lights. They stay in here until they are up and doing well. Then I move them upstairs into the living room in front of the big windows.