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What to Use Instead of Pots for Seedlings: Budget Life Hacks with One Caveat
13.02.2025 13:30
You can save money on buying containers for planting seedlings. Here are several options that will save your budget, with one caveat.
We will tell you which folk methods can lead to the death of seedlings.
Egg trays
Suitable only for greens (arugula, watercress) with a short growth cycle (14–20 days). For tomatoes and peppers, the volume is too small — the roots get tangled, which was confirmed by research at Moscow State University (2022).
"Growing in trays without drainage" leads to water stagnation and root rot. In 60% of cases, plants die at the stage of 2-3 leaves.
Snail method
Seeds in damp tissue germinate in 3-5 days, but experience stress when transplanted into the soil. Roots that are not accustomed to the soil adapt slowly.
"A roll of film with soil" saves space, but limits the development of the root system. This method is not suitable for tomatoes.
For example, tomatoes "De Barao" require containers of 1 liter, otherwise the roots do not develop.
"Arugula Dikovina" requires frequent watering (every 2 days), and "Italian Parsley" needs a deep container - the roots reach 15 cm.
Using trays without treatment
Bacteria on cardboard (e.g. Bacillus subtilis) cause blackleg. Soak trays in a solution of potassium permanganate (1 g per 1 l of water) for 30 minutes.
Also, do not forget that in trays, due to late transplantation, the roots become tangled. And bell peppers kept in a tray for more than 3 weeks lose 50% of their yield.
Real reviews
"Arugula in trays is super! In 2 weeks I'm already cutting it into a salad. But the peppers have withered... Now I know: each crop has its own container" - Elena, "7dach" forum.
"The snail method saved me when I didn't have enough pots. But I had to transplant very carefully - half of the seedlings died" - Alla, "Garden without hassle" group.