Reduce, reuse, recycle, sow

Don't buy  seed trays and clear plastic lids - recycle, like any good gardener should. Take the lidded plastic trays that lots of vegetables (particularly tomatoes and soft fruit) are sold in these days and use  one for the compost and one for the lid.

Alternatively, grow your seeds in toilet rolls cut in half horizontally - then when the seedling is ready for transplanting outside, simply plant it tube and all. The cardboard will rot down and the seedling won't be disturbed by the move. This tactic works particuarly well for growing squash and beans in areas where tender plants tend to be monstered by slugs and snails.

Comments

[al]

I've found that Tesco does a load of freshly cooked cookies that come in a resealable, clear plastic container. If you take the cookies out, (or eat them) it makes a wonderful germinator. I know I'm not too popular at home for keeping random bits of plastic, but you're absolutely right. Make the most of everything there is!

[Andy Hamilton]

The germinator is a good idea, I use a box that grapes came in perfect for germiation.

Jane you mentioned toilet tubes you can also use old copies of the guardian ;) rolled up. see my handy work.. http://www.selfsufficientish.com/newspaperpots.htm

Also the old trick of using old pop bottles as mini cloches kept my parsley alive over the winter.