How To: Biodegradable Newspaper Seed Starters

There are definitely a LOT of different versions of this How To on here (like here & here & here );

This is what worked for me, and I hope it helps you, too!

You'll Need:
- newspaper
- scissors
- flexible mold (I used a very small plastic pot)
- water
- tacky glue (it's non-toxic & kid safe)
- mixing pot (I used a 1 gallon flower pot)
- plastic spoon, for mixing glue & water

Please Note: I am new, but trying to be eco-friendly. If you know of a specific publication that uses soy-based newspaper ink, & biodegradable glue - go for it! And let me know which products you use that are inexpensive & eco-friendly! :D

Post-Publish-Edit: THANK YOU! to the editor who decided to feature this How To!  :D

Step 1: Cut Your Newspaper & Make Your Mache Mix

I'm using the business section (haha!). I've folded it vertically into 3rds (perfect size for my pot). Cut your strips, and set them aside in a dry area. As you can see, the mold I'm using is pretty small (circumference = 10.5in or 26.5cm & height = 2.5in or 6cm) and cost about 88cents at your local big box store. I'm going to be working with the section below the cuff of the pot.

I put a bottle of room temp water in this 1g pot, plenty of room to dip - it will only fill 2-3" due to the "self-watering" design. I didn't use that much glue, just a good squirt - enough to make the water milky when mixed.*

*I've noticed some people have over-complicated with running/hot water and specific ratios of water to glue - this way was much simpler. 

Comments

[rpjamess1]

Here is an all natural glue. I'm not sure how well it will stand up but I remember using it when I was a kid and the volcano never fell apart.

http://familycrafts.about.com/od/papermache/a/nocookpmpaste.htm