Farm cardboard

[Cag3db1rd]

So, all over the web are little life hack thingies saying to repurpose cardboard tubes and egg cartons for seed starting, touting how one can plant the whole thing to break down into soil. This year I though I'd give it a go. I got my tubes snipped and folded, got them filled up with good, nutritious stuff, and ready to plant. 40 of these things to poke seeds into.

Then, this morning, I read how bad cardboard is for growing seedlings -how it gets soggy and harms the roots in wetter places, and dries out the soil by wicking away moisture in drier places. Ppl saying they have had complete crop failures from using cardboard tubes for seed starting. The tubes don't break down, and the roots don't fully develop inside the tubes. Similar complaints for egg cartons and "plantable pots."

Anyone have experiences to chime in?

 

[kyrsyan]

I use origami paper pots.
Since you are already using the cardboard there are a few things you can do. Check the tray more frequently because of the excessive water wicking. When you go to plant, use a razor knife and cut off the tube. One slice down the side should do it. Then pull it off and plant the seedling. You can toss the tube in the compost.
I actually do the same thing with my paper pots just in case they wouldn't disintegrate as quickly as the seedlings need.