14 Clever Ways to Start Seeds

From eggshells to pots to paper towels, you can start your seasonal veggies, herbs and flowers in containers you have lying around the house.

After you finish reading the Sunday paper, create newspaper seed pots that can be planted directly into the ground. Fold the newspaper strips up and around the outside of a small glass to make a miniature pot, then remove the glass, add soil and seeds. Keep the paper pots in a tray near a sunny window until it’s warm enough to plant outside.

Recycle last year's seedling trays and flats to start seeds. Just starting out? Most garden centers and stores sell trays for low prices—but don't be afraid to ask your garden-savvy neighbors if they have extras lying around.

Small pots are great for large seeds, like beans, peas and squash, that require fewer plants in your garden. Make sure to turn pots sitting in windowsills so the seedlings grow evenly.