From: ceci@lysator.liu.se (Cecilia Henningsson)
Subject: Egg-cartons as seed trays (Result)
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 1993 19:03:38 GMT

I've tried to use egg-cartons to start seeds in. Here's how I fared.

I tried three different seeds: Callistephus (annual asters), Lathyrus
odoratus (sweet peas), Ipomoea (morning glory). 

The asters were a disaster. Out of 18 seedlings only 4 survived
planting out. I removed the cardboard entirely from their roots, which
probably spelt death for some seedlings. Others were simply
underdeveloped to cope with life in the great outdoors. 

The sweet peas were better. All seedlings survived planting out, but
showed signs of transplantation shock. The new growth looks very
different from the growth they had when they were planted out.

The morning glories went bad. Most of them seem to have survived
planting out, but they haven't grown. The tallest shoot is now 30 cm
(1') high. Today I've removed the remaining cardboard from their
roots, given them some extra water and fertiliser, and I'm praying
that I will have _any_ morning glory flowers this year.

All these are fairly easygoing annuals, which should really present no
problem even to a not so experienced gardener. My only conclusion is

           DON'T USE EGG-CARTONS TO START SEEDS IN. 

They belong in the compost. Shredded.

--Ceci, one experience richer.