DIY Egg Carton Greenhouse: Recycle Plastic Egg Cartons into Thriving Tomato Gardens!

Hey there! Are you looking for a super budget-friendly and eco-conscious family fun adventure under $10? Today, we’re diving into the world of gardening with a twist – we’re creating a DIY egg carton greenhouse using recycled plastic egg cartons. Actually, that was the plan until I found something else. As I was unpacking metered caps at work and thought this carton would be perfect for a greenhouse. But don’t let our slight deviation deter you because you can still do this with a plastic egg carton or anything similar. Not only is this a fantastic way to repurpose materials and reduce waste, but it also opens up endless possibilities for growing fresh produce right in your backyard or patio. So let’s roll up our sleeves, gather our supplies, and get ready to cultivate some thriving tomato plants!

Why Go Green with a DIY Egg Carton Greenhouse?

In our quest to live life fully while staying mindful of our budgets, finding ways to repurpose everyday items is a win-win. By transforming plastic [egg] cartons into mini-greenhouses, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also save money on costly gardening supplies. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about nurturing plants from seed to harvest, all while teaching our kids valuable lessons about sustainability and resourcefulness.

Materials You’ll Need:

Okay, I’m sure you’re excited to get started as I was with my kiddos. But make sure you have everything you need – it’s always a bummer starting something only to stop midway because you don’t have an item you need.

1. Plastic Egg Carton: The star of our DIY greenhouse project! Make sure they’re clean and free of any lingering egg residue.
2. Thin Sharp Nail: This is to pierce drainage holes in the bottom of each egg compartment.
3. Potting Soil: Opt for a quality potting mix enriched with nutrients for healthy plant growth.
4. Tomato Seeds: Choose your favorite tomato varieties – cherry tomatoes, heirloom, or beefsteak – and get ready to sow!
5. Watering Can or Spray Bottle: Keep those seedlings hydrated with a gentle sprinkle of water.
6. Labels or Markers: Optional but helpful for keeping track of different tomato varieties.
7. Sunlight and a Warm Location: Find a sunny spot on your patio or balcony where your seedlings can soak up the sun’s rays.

DIY Egg Tray Greenhouse Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Egg Carton: Pierce a couple of small drain holes in the bottom of each egg holder. Fill each compartment of the plastic egg trays with potting soil, leaving a small indentation in the center of each compartment for planting seeds.
2. Plant the Tomato Seeds: Place 2-3 tomato seeds in each indentation, then cover them lightly with a thin layer of soil. Gently press down to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
3. Water and Label: Give your newly planted seeds a gentle watering, being careful not to flood the trays. Use labels or markers to identify the tomato varieties in each tray.
4. Create the Greenhouse Effect: Close the lid of the filled egg tray. This creates a mini greenhouse effect, trapping warmth and moisture to encourage seed germination and early growth.
5. Provide Care and Sunshine: Keep your DIY greenhouse in a warm, sunny location, and check regularly to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Remove the lid occasionally to allow for air circulation.
6. Transplant and Watch Them Grow: Once your tomato seedlings have sprouted and developed a few sets of true leaves, they’re ready to be transplanted into larger pots or your outdoor garden. Keep an eye on them as they grow into healthy, fruitful tomato plants!

Our Final Thoughts:

Creating a DIY greenhouse from plastic egg cartons is not just a fun and budget-friendly project. It’s a step towards a more sustainable and fulfilling way of living. By nurturing our gardens, we reconnect with nature, reduce waste, and reap the rewards of fresh, homegrown produce.

My kids really enjoyed this little project and getting their hands dirty. Teigan is super excited and can’t wait to have her very own tomato garden. She is looking forward to making her favorite snack; tomato and basil. As requested by Teigan, we’re going to try and grow some basil too. It’s really cute to see her excited to grow and make her “recipe”. The way she says it with a British accent courtesy of Peppa Pig is also quite endearing. “Mom, can we get some ba-zul so I can show you how to make my favorite tomato ba-zul snack? It’s really good. I made it for Daddy for Father’s Day and he said it was delicious.” With all that cuteness and excitement, how could I say no? So, maybe we’ll have an updated post on our gardening adventure. If that’s something you’d like to see, let me know in the comments.

DIY Egg Carton Greenhouse Challenge!

Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge and inspiration to create your own DIY greenhouse using recycled plastic egg cartons, it’s time to put your gardening skills to the test! Here’s your challenge:

1. Gather Your Supplies: Raid your kitchen for clean plastic egg cartons, grab some potting soil, and select your favorite tomato seeds. Don’t forget a watering can or spray bottle for hydration!
2. Set Up Your Greenhouse: Follow the step-by-step instructions outlined earlier in this post to fill the egg cartons with soil, plant your tomato seeds, and create the mini greenhouse effect using a larger plastic container with a lid.
3. Document Your Progress: Take photos or videos throughout the process – from planting the seeds to watching them sprout and grow. Share your journey on social media or with friends and family to spread the joy of sustainable gardening.
4. Monitor and Care for Your Seedlings: Keep a close eye on your DIY greenhouse, ensuring adequate sunlight, water, and ventilation for healthy plant growth. Take note of any challenges or successes along the way.
5. Celebrate Your Green Thumb: As your tomato seedlings flourish and develop, celebrate your green thumb and the rewarding experience of nurturing life from seed to plant. Share updates and harvest photos to inspire others in their gardening endeavors.
6. Reflect and Share: Reflect on what you’ve learned from this greenhouse challenge – about gardening, sustainability, and the joys of growing your own food. Share your insights and tips with fellow gardening enthusiasts.

Remember, the journey of creating and maintaining a greenhouse is as rewarding as the harvest itself. Embrace the process, learn from every step, and revel in the beauty of nature’s growth cycle. Happy gardening! Download the workbook for this activity here.

Want More Budget-Friendly Family Fun?

Want more budget-friendly family fun? You’re in the right spot, check out our previous post: Spring into Fun: Budget-Friendly Family Activities for April