Styrofoam boxes starting seeds

[Bobberman]

I thought I was the only one who put a layer of soil in my styrofoam boxes then the top 1/3 I used a potting soil mix! I got many grape boxesa few years ago and now either put newspapers leaves or plastic at the bottom of the box. I like plastic best since it holds the moisture better! Here is a guy that shows you how its done similar to the way I do it! I usually add a 1/2 inch of sand to seperate the two mixes and add the seeds on top of the wet sand! When I pull out the seedlings to transplant they come out easy with the sand clinging to the roots!
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https://urbanfoodgarden.org/main/seed-planting-and-propagation/seedlings/styrofoam-seedling-propagation-box.htm

[applestar]

In the article, the author is growing what looks like lettuce. I'm leery of growing food plants in stylofoam because they break down easily. What chemicals are leeching out into th soil To be taken up by the plants as they break down?

I don't like potting mixes with stylofoam beads or water retaining poly gels (same as used in diapers?) mixed in either

[soil]

we get these outside the back of grocery stores all the time. they are perfect for propagation, they keep cuttings and seedlings somewhat insulated.

[applestar]

We've talked about styrofoam as seed starter and planting containers before....

Please refer to HG's posts here (and jump to the link he indicated):
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=120546&highlight=styrofoam#120546
and here:
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=68829&highlight=styrofoam#68829

If all you want it for is to start seeds, heavier corrugated cardboard boxes works too, and you can use for sheet mulching or covering the paths (or shred and put in the compost pile) afterward. You need to use a sturdy tub or something for drip tray, and be sure not to let the seedlings get root bound since the soil/cardboard interface seems to lack N. You can compensate at first sign of yellowing with heavy fish hydrolysate application though.

I find beverage cartons (milk, juice) with holes punched in them work well as seed starting containers since they're already waterproofed. Someone mentioned using waxed cardboard in the Wintersowing thread.