How to Make Seed Tapes for the Garden

Seed tape simplifies planting and spacing of small seeds. The seeds adhere to a strip of paper that is planted in the garden along with the seeds. The paper decomposes in the soil as the seeds germinate and begin sending out roots. The use of seed tape ensures the seeds are spaced properly, which minimizes waste and overplanting. Seed tape also makes smaller seeds easier to handle and sow. Commercial seed tapes are available, but it's possible to make your own from regular packets of seeds.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Flour
• Paper plate
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Small paintbrush
• Plastic bag

Instructions

1. Cut a 1-by-12-inch strip from plain, nonglossy paper, such as computer paper or plain newspaper. The inks and dyes in glossy paper may release chemicals into the soil.

2. Combine one part water with two parts flour. Mix thoroughly. Add flour to the mixture until it has the consistency of white glue.

3. Place the seeds on paper plate. Refer to the seed packet for spacing specifics for the plant variety. A spacing of 1 to 4 inches is sufficient for most seeds.

4. Lay a ruler over the paper strip. Mark the spacing on the strip with a pencil, indicating the placement of each seed.

5. Dip a small paintbrush, such as a watercolor brush, in the flour glue. Dab some glue on each mark on the paper strip.

6. Place a seed on each dab of flour glue. Press on the seed lightly so that it adheres completely to the paper.

7. Fold up the seed tape once the glue dries. Store the tape in a sealed plastic bag until you are ready to plant.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay seed tape on top of the soil when you are ready to plant the seeds. Cover the tape with a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer of soil.

• Substitute plain white craft glue for the flour mixture, if preferred.

References

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Make a Seed Tape
• University of Minnesota Extension; Homemade Seed Tapes; February 2005