Starting seedlings in small pots that you can transplant lets you get a jump on Mother Nature, but commercial peat pots can be expensive. Recycle old newspaper into starter pots, and you can help save both the earth and some cash.
Step 1
Lay out a full sheet of newspaper, folded at the existing crease. This makes two layers or four reading pages.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Trim the fold off, cutting about 1/8 inch from the fold line to create two pieces of paper.
Step 3
Place one sheet on your work surface as you would to read the paper.
Step 4
Fold the sheet into thirds, from left to right or cut the larger sheet lengthwise into three strips that measure about 4 inches by 22 inches. If you cut the strips, tape them together end-to-end.
Step 5
Wrap the folded sheet around a tomato paste can or a spice container, aligning the tops and leaving an overhang of paper at the bottom and leaving the wrap a little loose. Wrap the taped strips around the can until you reach the end of the last strip. Add a small piece of masking tape to hold the end in place.
Step 6
Fold the extra paper toward the bottom on the can, folding about one-third at a time. Add a small piece of masking tape at the center to secure the folds.
Step 7
Slide the can out of the paper tube.
Step 8
Fold the top of the paper to the inside of the tube to help hold the pot together.