The Genius Way You Can Reuse An Old Rotisserie Chicken Container In The Garden

If you're trying to germinate seeds for your flower or vegetable garden on a budget, then don't worry about buying seed starting trays from your local gardening center. The key to germinating seeds inside might be right in your kitchen. Give trash a renewed purpose by transforming that old rotisserie chicken container into a seed germinator.

Whether you need a beginner's guide to starting seeds indoors or you're a seasoned, green-thumb veteran gardener, rotisserie chicken containers can be the perfect vehicles to germinate new seeds indoors. This method of indoor sowing can keep seeds warm, which is important to germinate many kinds of seeds. They can also help keep soil moist, another way to ensure your seeds grow. You can also use the rotisserie chicken container as a greenhouse for succulents, or any other plant types that like a cozy and humid environment. Repurposing the container means one less bit of trash for the landfill, and also saves you a little extra cash at the same time.

To turn your plastic rotisserie chicken container into a mini greenhouse, all you need is a container, a pair of scissors, your seeds of choice, potting soil, and either empty cardboard toilet paper or paper towel rolls if you want to keep germinating seeds separate. This DIY way to repurpose old kitchen trash might just make you even sadder that Costco did away with its rotisserie chicken containers and replaced them with bags — so make sure that your rotisserie chicken comes in the right kind of plastic vessel for this hack.

To make your seed germinator, first clean out the rotisserie chicken container thoroughly. Then, poke holes in the black plastic bottom with your scissors. Next, add in little compartments if you want to keep your seeds separated. You can use cut-up toilet paper or paper towel rolls to divide your seeds. Next, shovel in moist potting soil. Then, add the seeds of your choice.

There are vent holes at the top of the plastic container, but you can add more if you'd like. Be sure to read the instructions on your seed packet for how deep to plant your seeds. Remember which seeds should be soaked before planting. Hard seeds, like those from peppers, beans, or cucumbers do best with soaking first before planting. This mini greenhouse will keep your seeds nice and warm, but be aware of the best temperature ranges for your seeds to germinate. For many vegetable seeds these ideal temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the temperature around your repurposed rotisserie chicken container grows too warm, you can always remove the lid to cool off your seedlings. Your repurposed container will be similar to conditions in a greenhouse, except you have a little more control over temperature with your lid. Don't forget that some seeds don't need sunlight to germinate, and many prefer darkness. Most new plants will be ready to move from the container when they're about an inch wide.