How to Make Seed Starters from Newspapers
You can make seed starter pots from recycled black and white newspaper sheets as an inexpensive project. The pots are a simple craft project that can be undertaken during the winter months. This is also a good teaching project to share with a school class. The small pots work well for starting vegetable and flower seedlings indoors as the newspaper seedling pots can be transplanted directly into the garden or flower bed. The small pots break down slowly in the soil during the growing season. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Newspaper
- Yardstick
- Scissors
- Can or dowel rod that is 3 inches in diameter
Instructions
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1
Spread a single sheet of newspaper onto a flat work surface. Use a yardstick to make straight, lengthwise pencil guidelines every 4 1/2 inches on the paper.
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2
Cut the paper into 4 1/2-inch-wide strips lengthwise. Stack the strips and set them over to the side.
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3
Roll one strip of the newspaper around the diameter of the can or dowel rod, leaving a 1 1/2-inch overhang at the bottom. Keep the paper lined up evenly around the item. Continue rolling until the entire strip is wrapped around the cylinder shape.
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4
Push the 1 1/2-inch paper overhang flat against the bottom of the can or rod with your thumb. Move the paper pot in a clockwise motion, pressing down 1/4 of the paper overhang at a time. Fold and press the paper down firmly.
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5
Place the bottom of the cylinder against the work surface and press it down hard using both hands. This will flatten and tighten the bottom of the seedling pot.
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6
Slide the can or rod from the paper pot. Set the pot into a flat bottom tray or storage container.
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Tips & Warnings
Wooden, plant pot-maker forms are available to make the job easier for a gardener who intends to make hundreds of pots.
Do not use newspaper or inserts that have colored ink embedded in them.
References
- Photo Credit Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images
