From Bird Feeders to Seed Starters: 6 Crafty Ways to Repurpose Cardboard Egg Cartons

Start Seeds in Egg Cups

Cut a cardboard carton in half and use its cups as seed starters. Poke a drainage hole in the bottom of each cup, add potting soil and plant the seeds.

The lid can be turned upside down to catch water or serve as a larger plant pot. Empty toilet roll holders can also be used for seedlings.

Protect Baubles and Feed Birds

For large eggs, the carton may be a good fit for storing Christmas baubles. Its separate cups help keep decorations apart, and the soft cardboard can reduce the chance of breakage during transport.

To make a bird feeder, remove the lid and cut the carton in half. Punch a hole in each corner of the cupped side, then thread string through the holes on opposite short sides to form two hanging handles.

Add Cardboard to Compost

Cardboard egg cartons can go on the compost heap as brown material. Their carbon content helps balance nitrogen from green materials such as grass clippings and fruit and vegetable scraps.

Sort Hardware and Paint

Use the cups to separate nuts, bolts and screws in the garage. If you have several sizes of one item, place them in separate sections and write on the lid to identify each size.

For a children’s art project, tear a carton in half and use the cupped side as a palette for six paint colors. The lightweight design and indents underneath can make it easier for little hands to hold.