How to Plant a Seed Card

Plantable papers have viable seeds embedded in the fibers. The seeds add a decorative touch while also giving new life to the cards once you sow them in the garden. Most plantable cards feature flower seeds, though some have herb or vegetables seeds embedded. Most seed cards have planting instructions printed on the back, but if yours is handmade or doesn't include the instructions, planting still follows the basic rules of planting any seed.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Compost

Instructions

1. Loosen the top 6 inches of soil in the planting area with a spade. Spread 1 inch of compost over the area and work it into the loosened soil.

2. Water the garden bed until it's evenly moist down to a 6-inch depth. Avoid over-wetting the soil or making it soggy.

3. Tear the seed card into 1- to 2-inch squares. Dip each square in water just long enough to moisten the paper but no so long that it begins to fall apart.

4. Sow the paper at the depth instructed on the card. If instructions aren't included, sow the paper to a depth three times the width of the seeds embedded in it--¼ to ½ inch for most seed varieties.

5. Mist the planting bed with water as necessary to keep it moist. Most plant seeds germinate within two weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• The paper will decompose in the garden bed, adding nutrients to the soil, rather than garbage.

• You can also plant seed cards indoors in flower pots.

References

• University of Wyoming: Making Plantable Papers
• Colorado State University Extension: Growing Plants From Seed