Gardening with Kids in March: Egg Carton Sprouts

March is a magical time to get kids involved in gardening—it’s messy, hands-on, and full of promise. One of the best starter projects? Growing seeds in egg cartons! It’s simple, inexpensive, and a great way to teach children how plants begin their journey from seed to sprout.

What You’ll Need

• Empty cardboard egg carton (not plastic or foam)

• Seed starting mix or compost

• Watering spray bottle

• Spoon or scoop

• Seeds (try lettuce, radishes, basil, or snapdragons)

• Markers and plant labels

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Carton

Cut off the lid and poke a small hole in the bottom of each cup for drainage. Place the carton on a shallow tray or plate to catch excess water.

2. Fill with Soil

Let kids use a spoon to gently scoop soil into each section. Encourage them to pat it down lightly.

3. Plant the Seeds

Drop 1–2 seeds into each cell and cover lightly with more soil. Label your seeds with popsicle sticks or draw a garden map together.

4. Water Gently

Use a spray bottle or a slow drizzle from a small cup. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

5. Place in a Sunny Spot

Set the egg carton near a bright window or under a grow light. Keep checking for sprouts—most appear in 5–10 days.

6. Observe, Journal, and Learn

Use this time to talk about plant anatomy, germination, and what seeds need to grow. Print our free journal page to track progress.

Bonus: DIY Plant Markers

Decorate popsicle sticks or old spoon handles with each seed name and a drawing of what it becomes. This builds anticipation and creativity.

When to Transplant

Once seedlings have 2–3 sets of true leaves, cut apart each egg cup and plant directly into the garden or a larger pot. The cardboard breaks down in the soil naturally.

Learning Takeaways

• Science: Germination, photosynthesis, life cycles

• Math: Measuring sprout height over time

• Art: Labeling and illustrating your mini garden

• Responsibility: Daily watering and observation

Keep the Fun Growing

Our Kids Gardening Collection includes beginner-friendly seeds, illustrated labels, and activity ideas designed to make growing fun for the whole family.

Love and Vegetables: Helping you grow wonder, one sprout and one smile at a time.