Orange Peel Seed Starter

Are you planning a garden this summer? Many of us are starting a new garden for the first time in years, and this Orange Peel Seed Starter idea is a great place to begin. I love biodegradable options and upcycling, so why not use this orange peel to make seedlings while also being ideal for adding some nutrients to your soil!

Orange Peel Seed Starter

If you are new to gardening, you may find that seedlings seem pretty expensive. Instead of buying plants already started, you can grow from the seeds for a much lower cost. These orange peels are likely already something you have in your kitchen, and packets of seeds are under $2 each at most stores. Grab some potting soil for under $5 and you have seedlings for dozens of plants for less than $20 instead of paying $5 for just 4 plants.

Can I Plant This Whole Starter In The Garden?

While orange peels are excellent compost options, you will want to remove the seedling from the peel before planting. Since it takes a significant amount of time for an orange peel to break down in the garden, you'll want to put the seedling directly into the soil for optimum growth potential.

Once you have put the seedling into the ground, drop your orange peels into the compost bin to create richer soil for fertilizing your garden later!

Supplies Needed

Orange
Knife
Potting Soil
Seeds
Water

How to Make an Orange Peel Seed Starter

Directions:
1. Begin by cutting the orange in half. You can make two seed starters out of each whole orange.
2. Clean out the inside of each orange, removing all the fruit and pulp. You can take a knife and simply cut it out in segments so you can eat it or add it to fruit salad.
3. Fill the orange peel half with potting soil.
4. Use your fingers to make a few holes into the soil. Drop your seeds of choice into the soil, and cover them gently with additional soil.
5. Water lightly. Place your orange peel seed starter in a sunny place where they will get at least 6-8 hours of sun per day.
6. Lightly mist the seed starter with water every day. Within a week to 10 days you will start to see sprouts.
7. When your seedlings are 2 inches tall and ready to be transplanted, simply plant the entire orange peel seed starter in the ground. The orange peel acts as food to the plant as it grows, and it will break down in the soil just as a peat pot would.

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Melissa Jennings

Melissa is a football and soccer mom who has been married to her best friend for 24 years. She loves sharing recipes, travel reviews and tips that focus on helping busy families make memories.