How to Make Recycled Seed Starter Pots
Imaginative Crafts, Do-It-Yourself Projects and Video Tutorials by Robert Mahar, robert-mahar.com
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Materials:
Recycled paper egg cartons
Recycled toilet paper or paper towel tubes
Recycled newspaper
Organic potting soil
Seeds
Tools:
Scissors
Bamboo skewer or chopstick
Recycled jar or can
Directions:
Egg Carton Seed Starter Pots:
1) Cut the lid off of a recycled paper egg carton and place it underneath like a tray for added reinforcement.
2) Fill each of the egg compartments with potting soil, moisten the soil slightly. Using a bamboo skewer or chopstick, create small divots in which to plant the seeds. Care for your seeds according to the directions on the seed packet.
Toilet Paper Tube Seed Starter Pots:
1) Using scissors, create four 1″ cuts in one end of the tube. If you were looking at the end of the tube like a clock face, you would create the cuts at 12, 3, 6 and 9 o’clock.
2) Fold down the flaps, as if you were closing the end flaps on a cardboard box, to create the bottom of the pot.
3) Fill with potting soil, moisten the soil slightly and then using a bamboo skewer or chopstick, create small divots in which to plant the seeds. Care for your seeds according to the directions on the seed packet.
Recycled Newspaper Seed Starter Pots:
1) Take a double-spread of newspaper and tear it in half along the center fold. Take one half and fold it in half length-wise leaving an overlap of 1″.
2) Flip the paper over and fold the top (folded) edge down by 1″.
3) Flip the paper over again to the side that was originally facing you. Align the bottom edge of your recycled jar or can along the bottom edge of the top sheet of paper. Starting at one end roll the paper around the jar or can creating a tube.
4) Fold down the paper extending beyond the bottom of the jar. Fold it as you might fold wrapping paper on the end of a gift box.
5) Set the jar upright on your work surface and gently/firmly twist is back and forth to help flatten the bottom of the pot.
6) Shimmy the paper off of the jar.
7) Fill with potting soil, moisten the soil slightly and then using a bamboo skewer or chopstick, create small divots in which to plant the seeds. Care for your seeds according to the directions on the seed packet.
Helpful Tips:
– Typically see packets will indicate the depth at which you should plant your seeds and the length of time it will take them to germinate and sprout.
– It’s a good idea to place seed starter pots created from toilet paper tubes and recycled newspaper on a sturdy tray for added support. As you continue to water your seeds these materials will begin to break down and will need that extra reinforcement.
– Generally, when seedling reach two to three inches in eight they’re ready to be transplanted into the earth or a larger container.