How to Make Folded Newspaper Seed Pots

Put your old newspapers to good use.

Starting seedlings inside in late winter or early spring allows you to grow the vegetables and flowers you desire without depending on local greenhouses. Not only does this provide you with the opportunity to try out new cultivars that may not be sold in your area, it saves money too. When you make your own seed starting pots from recycled newspapers, the cost savings are even greater, and you get the satisfaction of knowing you are doing your part to recycle and reuse materials instead of adding to the landfill.

Things You'll Need

• Old newspapers
• Scissors (optional)
• Juice or vegetable can
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Open the newspaper and lay in flat in front of you. Remove four sheets of the newspaper and set the others aside.

2. Tear or cut the newspapers into 4-inch-wide strips across the longest side of the papers. This allows plenty of paper for wrapping the pot .

3. Place a newspaper strip in front on you on a table or work surface. Position an empty vegetable or juice can on its side on the paper so that 2 inches if the paper extends below the end of the can.

4. Roll the newspaper around the can, allowing the 2 inches to hang over the bottom rim. Tape the seam where the newspapers overlap.

5. Fold the overhang to the bottom of the can. Press the bottom of the can on a hard surface to flatten the newspaper on the bottom. Tape the bottom of the newspaper pot to secure the edges.

6. Remove the newspaper pot from the can. Fill with potting mixture and place in a waterproof tray. Plant seeds in the soil according to the recommended seed depth.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a can that matches the size of the pot you prefer.

• Seedlings may be planted in the garden while remaining in their newspaper pots. Gently tear the sides or bottoms of the pots before planting to speed decomposition and encourage good root formation.

• Avoid overwatering seeds or seedlings in newspaper pots, as the newspaper will deteriorate when it becomes soggy.

References

• University of Maine Extension: Garden Equipment and Items to Make for the Garden; Donna Coffin et al.; 2009

Resources

• Purdue University Extension; Starting Seeds Indoors; Michael N. Dana et al.; April 2001