The growing medium should be porous and free of disease pathogens. Excellent germination media are commercially prepared soilless products, such as Jiffy Mix or Redi-Earth. Home gardeners also can prepare their own medium by mixing equal parts garden soil, peat and perlite. However, homemade soil mixes should be pasteurized before use. Various containers can be used to germinate and grow transplants.
Gardeners can purchase flats, trays, pots, compressed peat pellets and other commercial products.
Cut-off milk cartons or plastic jugs, paper cups and egg cartons also can be used to start seeds. Previously used flats, trays and pots should be cleaned and disinfected before use. Wash the containers in soapy water, then disinfect them in a solution of one part chlorine bleach and nine parts water. Punch holes in the bottom of milk cartons, jugs, paper cups and similar containers to allow for drainage. The size of the seeds and their germination requirements largely determine the type of container and sowing method.