How to Make Sturdy Recycled Newspaper Pots

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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.

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Step 1

Lay out a full sheet of newspaper, folded at the existing crease. This makes two layers or four reading pages.

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Step 2

Trim the fold off, cutting about 1/8 inch from the fold line to create two pieces of paper.

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Step 3

Place one sheet on your work surface as you would to read the paper.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Step 7

Slide the can out of the paper tube.

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Step 8

Fold the top of the paper to the inside of the tube to help hold the pot together.

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