How to Use a Dollar Tree Egg Container for Seed Starting: My Basil Experiment

Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. While traditional seed-starting trays work well, sometimes you can get creative with budget-friendly options. For my latest gardening experiment, I used a clear plastic egg container from Dollar Tree to start basil seeds. I wanted to see how well they would germinate under full sun in February, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results!

Why Use a Clear Egg Container?

A clear egg container works similarly to a mini greenhouse. The individual compartments create a warm, humid environment ideal for germination, while the clear lid helps trap moisture and heat, speeding up the sprouting process. Here’s why it’s a great option:

• Budget-friendly – Only $1.25 at Dollar Tree
• Compact and reusable – Great for small spaces
• Self-watering effect – Condensation inside the lid keeps moisture levels stable
• Easy to label and transport – Keeps seeds organized

My Seed-Starting Setup

I decided to try this method with basil seeds since they germinate quickly and are perfect for early-season growing. Here’s what I did:

Materials Needed:

✔ 1 clear plastic egg container (Dollar Tree brand)
✔ Seed-starting mix (or fine potting soil)
✔ Basil seeds
✔ Water
✔ A sunny windowsill or outdoor space with full sun

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Egg Container
   • Rinse the container thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
   • Poke small drainage holes in the bottom of each egg compartment to prevent water from pooling.
2. Fill with Soil
   • Add a small amount of seed-starting mix to each compartment, leaving a little room at the top.
   • Lightly moisten the soil before planting.
3. Plant the Basil Seeds
   • Drop 1-2 basil seeds into each compartment.
   • Lightly cover with a thin layer of soil.
4. Water and Close the Lid
   • Gently mist the soil to keep it moist.
   • Close the lid to create a greenhouse effect.
5. Place in Full Sun
   • Since February still has cool temperatures, I placed my container in full sun outside during the warmest part of the day and moved it inside at night.
   • If you’re starting seeds indoors, a sunny windowsill or grow light will work.

Results After One Week

Within 5 days, I started seeing tiny basil sprouts pushing through the soil. The condensation inside the container helped maintain moisture levels, meaning I didn’t have to water frequently. By day 7, most of the compartments had at least one seedling!

What I Learned

✅ Full sun helped speed up germination, even in cooler February temperatures.
✅ Keeping the lid closed retained moisture and reduced the need for frequent watering.
✅ A deeper container would be better for long-term growth—basil seedlings will eventually need to be transplanted.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely! This method is perfect for starting small batches of herbs or flowers. However, once the seedlings grow their first true leaves, they’ll need to be transplanted into larger pots or the garden.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to start seeds, give this a try! It’s a fun and easy gardening hack that proves you don’t need fancy equipment to grow healthy plants.

Have you ever used a Dollar Tree container for seed starting? Let me know in the comments!