(See also buying seeds, starting seeds indoors, and gardening resources)
One of the pitfalls to starting indoor seeds as early as I did is that the seedlings quickly outgrow their first container. If not transplanted within no more than 4 weeks the seedlings will become root bound. I am currently two weeks in, but decided to transfer a little early because I have some larger seedlings like sunflowers that have already out grown their starter pots (eggshells). Yes, I start my sunflowers indoors and it is quite a process for me to keep these alive (for little furry reasons), but I will share more about this problem later.
Because of the volume of seedlings that I have I do not have enough pots to contain them all. I do not buy peat pots at the store because I try to invest as little money as possible in my garden. I use the pots that I have on hand and make up the difference with homemade pots. This is where you have to get creative. This year I decided to make use of the extra coconut shells that I had leftover after making my own coconut shreds and coconut milk. But you can use plastic Chinese take out containers or whatever you can find that is larger than the starter pods. Whatever you use, you must make sure that you have adequate drainage by poking a hole in the bottom to allow water and air to pass through. Make sure you have a tray to catch the excess water. Here’s how I used the coconut shells:
1) Poke at least one ‘eye’ of the coconut shell to allow water to drain. For the side with no ‘eyes’ you can drill 3 smaller holes. Without a drill you will not be able to make a hole as it is too thick
Coconut Shell with 'eye' poked out
2) Shells are now ready to be filled with organic potting soil.
Ready for potting soil. I try to remove all the coconut, but some of it was hard to remove. If you can't get it all out it should be fine. What's left in the shell is hardened and not moist.
3) Peel the eggshell off the seedling. Try to avoid disturbing the roots and soil as much as possible. (If more than one seedling sprouted take out the most unhealthy looking one and toss before peeling the eggshell — for plants like herbs I will usually replant multiple sprouts, but larger plants need to be thinned.)
Be careful not to disturb the soil too much while peeling
4) Make a hole into soil large enough for the new seedling. Place the seedling into the new pot with soil and soil from the original pod. I usually put up to two seedlings in each shell. The roots will tie each other up a little when you are ready to place in the ground, but I have never had a plant die when I break up the roots. It saves on space and having a bazillion pots around.
Seedlings in new pots
5) LABEL, LABEL, LABEL
Label! I used a combination of plastic sticks and sticky notes. Use whatever you have.
6) Place in a sunny space and keep soil moist (not wet and not dried out). As the plants grow they will require more water.
Place in bright sunlight. Notice I have additional starter seeds to have successive plantings. This gives me enough veggies to eat and to store throughout the summer.
TIP: It’s helpful to do the transplanting outdoors to keep the indoor mess to a minimum. The coconut shells were started indoors, but the pots were all planted outside because the weather was sunny and 75 the day I worked on this!!
Next Up: Preparing the soil in the outdoor garden and hardening off the seedlings
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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea of using coconuts! I was thinking about doing a post on transplanting my seedlings but didn’t get around to it. Would love to share this post with my viewers if that is ok with you? I just did a post about sowing my seeds directly into the soil. I will post the link for you. Thanks for the great ideas
http://wholelifestylenutrition.com/gardening/planting-seeds-has-never-been-so-easy/
Halle, you can absolutely use the link to share. Thanks for asking. I will check out your post too!
Thank you for sharing this really helpful post. I love the idea of using coconut shells for seedlings. It looks like you are going to have a wonderful garden this year!
Thanks April. I hope so. It’s been so warm here I am tempted to put things in the ground, but I am still a good month away!
I like number 5….I always think that I’ll remember which is what. Of course, I never do!
Me too! That reminder is more for me than anyone!
I planted tomato plants in eggshells at your suggestion and transplanted them without tearing off the shell. Do you thing they will work? The seeds sprouted up quick and leggy and so I put in a good deal of dirt around them hoping the stem will turn to strong roots and my plants will get a good start.
Joli, where did you transplant them? In the ground or in a pot? Either way, you will need to remove the shell because the roots will not be able to get to the soil nutrients through the shell. The shell only acts as a holding container for the sprouting of the seed initially.
Thank you so much for your swift response! I transplanted them into paper cups. Do you think I could peel off the shell when I transplant them into the ground? I think if I attempt to do anything to them now, I’ll break the slender stems and kill the little plants.
It depends on how long you have had it in the shell. If for only a week or two it should be fine for another week or so. Be careful not to over water because essentially the Plant is still in a shallow shell and will drown if watered too much. Where are you located. If you are further south than I you may be able to plant in the ground sooner.
Hi Jen, what a great idea and a fabulous way to reuse and prevent waste! Rebecca @ Natural Mothers Network x
I don’t know if I’m more impressed that you are reusing these shells or that you made your own fresh coconut to begin with. Awesome! Thanks for posting on Friday Food Flicks. I just shared this on Facebook
Amanda
I’ll have to try the fresh coconut out. I doubt I’ve ever had any.
Kathy, I had to make a big stink at my local grocer who supplies it. I bought several that were past their prime and I wrote a long letter to them about how I hated to buy in traditional grocery stores because of the freshness issue and sketchy practices in general. Ever since then I have had super fresh coconuts. It’s one of the only things that I purchase from the larger grocers for. If I can find a way for my local co-op to buy fresh coconuts I would be much happier since I know they would be a safer/fresher source. Just be prepared to play a little hardball with your grocer to get fresh products. I also used my email from my blog (realfoodfreaks.com) to let them know I was a food blogger — low blow, but very effective!
This is such a great idea to plant seeds. I think I am going to feel a bit overwhelmed since I never do this before. Thanks for sharing this idea
Looks awesome but HOW did you get your coconuts cut like that??? I break mine out with a hammer
The same as you, with a hammer. They are not all clean edges. But some came out better than others. They crack the way they want to don’t they?
Its a pleasure to visit your blog and to enjoy your great posts here. I know that you spend much time and attention in these blog, as all of them make sense and are very useful.
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