How to Make Seed Containers from Biodegradable Newspaper

Recycle old newspapers into seed pots.

Gardeners who grow their own plants from seeds often spend a lot of money purchasing special seed trays or seed pots. Some of seed pots are made from biodegradable material like peat pots, and many people use these pots when growing seeds that don’t transplant well. Making your own seed pots from old newspaper is one way to avoid having to purchase seed pots. Not only will you save, you'll also help the environment through recycling newspaper.

Things You'll Need

• Can or jar

Instructions

1. Cut strips of newspaper 1 to 2 inches wider than the size of the can or jar you are using to form the paper pot.

2. Lay the newspaper strip on a flat surface. Place the can on top of the newspaper, with the excess 1 to 2 inches of newspaper extending beyond the bottom of the can.

3. Roll the can along with the newspaper,, and wrap the newspaper around the can. Fold the 1 to 2 inches of newspaper over the bottom of the can to form the bottom of the newspaper pot.

4. Place the bottom of the can on the flat surface. Push the can down firmly as you turn it to press the newspaper in form. Some people add a small piece of tape or use glue to hold the bottom in place, but doing so is not needed.

5. Pull the newspaper pot from around the can, and place it on a tray. Put several paper pots together on a tray to support each other.

6. Fill the pots full of soil, and plant seeds in them.

Tips & Warnings

• Find something that is the same size as the pots you want to make. For example, use small juice cans with 3-inch wide strips of newspaper to make 2-inch tall seedling pots, or use larger 15- ounce cans with newspaper strips 6 to 8 inches wide for pots 4 to 6 inches tall. Make the smaller strips at least 10 inches long and the larger ones at least 20 inches long or the length of the paper.

• Use caution when moving the newspaper pots to avoid breaking them.

• You can fold the newspaper on top of the pots over 1 inch or so for extra support.

References

• University of California Davis: Making Paper Pots
• Alabama Cooperative Extension System: Recycled Pots for Seedlings