How to Make Pots for Plants Out of Newspaper

Starting your own plants from seed can be rewarding, and starting them in pots you make from newspaper only adds to the experience. Making pots for plants out of newspaper not only cuts down on the cost of buying seed pellets or trays, but also recycles something you already have around the house. Even better, when it comes time to plant your seedlings into the garden, the pot can also be planted. After only a few minutes of an afternoon, your seeds can begin germinating in recycled newspaper pots.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper Scissors Empty soda can or glass Tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut newspaper into rectangular 4-inch-wide strips approximately 10 inches long.

2. Wrap one newspaper strip around your soda can, leaving 2 inches hanging below the bottom of the can. The newspaper will not completely cover the sides of the can.

3. Fold the newspaper over the bottom of the can, and press creases into the paper to secure the base of your pot.

4. Remove the can from the newspaper pot. If the creases don't hold the pot shape well enough, tape the side of the pot where the edge of the paper meets the body.

5. Set the plant pots in a shallow tray close enough to support each other. Fill with desired soil, and plant the seeds of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• This project is great to do with children. Have them cut out the paper and roll it around the cans. If you don't usually have soda cans around your house, there are specialty tools available for purchase at your local nursery. When your plants are ready to be outside in the garden, tear or cut off the bottom of the pot, and plant the rest of the pot directly into the soil.

• Be sure to keep your seeds moist, but do not over water or the paper may mold. Avoid using newspaper pieces with color text or photos. Unless you are certain your local newspaper uses vegetable dyes, the dyes used for color may be harmful to your garden soil and potentially to your plants.