I finally started seeds last Saturday. Late is better than never, right?

This year I’ve done a few things differently, or perhaps I should say more efficiently. I have a few seed starting kits—plastic (I know, I know) containers with 72 spaces to start seedlings and a clear top to act like a greenhouse—that I've used for a couple of years. They are reusable year after year (which makes them slightly more sustainable), and can be made even more like a mini greenhouse with a seed starting heating mat, which I added to the system this year. So far, it’s working well—after just four days, seeds are beginning to pop.

So far, I’ve started tomatoes, including some new varieties (Striped Cavern and Borghese) and some past favorites (German Johnson, Amish Paste, and Big Rainbow); peppers (jalapeno, Anaheim, Serrano, and Sweet Banana), basil, and some new plants in my seed starting repertoire: kale, celery, and flowers. Cucumbers and squash will be started next week.

Starting your own plants from seed is both more affordable than buying starts ($1 - $2 per packet versus $2 - $4 per plant), and it’s more satisfying. When your seeds begin to sprout and grow into real plants, it’s really kind of magical. I can’t wait to read about saving seeds from plants later in the challenge--completing the cycle of producing what you eat.

I’m also trying something I read about last year, but didn’t have time to try—starting seeds in eggshells. The idea is that the shells will hold the seedling, and then you can plant the whole thing in the ground when the seedling needs to move to a bigger growing space. The shell should break down and compost in the garden, enriching the soil around your new plant.

I poked three to four holes in the bottom of each shell before adding seed starter to allow for drainage, and I’ll crack the bottom of the shell before transplanting to allow the roots to grow without becoming bound before the shell breaks down. I hope the shells work as well as promised, if so, I’ll be saving even more next year.

I wish I had remembered fellow Down to Earth blogger Craig Goodwin’s post from last year about making seed starter. It looks easy and worthwhile, so if you have yet to plant, you might give it a try (if so, let me know what you think.

Stay tuned for posts about building a squash trellis and potato box. As our garden plans grow, we’re trying some more efficient growing methods to conserve space.

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