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How To: Make Seedling Pots

Thursday, February 17, 2011


You can make your own seedling pots using empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls. They are biodegradable and best of all, free! After a few warmer days in our part of the world, I am thinking spring. The seed catalogs arriving are only adding to my spring fever. I thought maybe I could get spring going a little faster if I started making my little seedling pots.

Start with an empty tube. First, flatten the tube in one direction and crease the folds. Then flatten the roll in the other direction and crease the folds. Now your tube should no longer be round. It should have 4 sides and look like a long skinny square.

Now cut your pot to the desired length, allowing extra to make the bottom. I cut mine 3 inches long.

Now cut the flaps that will make up the bottom. I cut mine 3/4 an inch. Cut at each of the creases. Now fold the bottom just like you are closing a box.

Fill with dirt and plant with desired seeds. Remember that they aren’t waterproof and will need to be kept in a tray. When you are ready to plant: cut down the side of the pot, remove and plant. Another option would be to stick them right in the ground, pot and all. The card board will break down and prevent the plants from experiencing shock but it will also encourage the roots to stay root bound. It is really your call.

Happy Upcycling,
Jill


One Comment »

  • IslandWood said:

    Great idea! Here at IslandWood (an environmental education center on Bainbridge Island, WA) we’ve used newspaper for seedling pots and tp rolls to make binoculars to help our kids spot the local wildlife with their observation skills.
    We’ll have to try the tp for seedling pots. Thanks for the tip! :)

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