Biodegradable Seed Starters From Newspaper (another Way)

This is my first instructable so I would appreciate any and all feedback.

If you frequent the green section on instructables you will likely find many biodegradable seed starter options. This is an adaptation of another similar seed starter idea www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-organic-planting-pots-using-old-newspa/

The main difference is that the ones I have created are much smaller and more convenient for small jobs (they also keep you from having to use very much soil to germinate the seeds).

Step 1: Materials

 For this project you will need:

Newspaper

Toilet Paper Roll (all used up - just the cardboard)

Potting Soil (seed starting soil works best)

Seeds

Step 2: Measuring the Paper

 You will need to trim the paper to a specified size. To do this I just use my hands and tear it; if you are a perfectionist you may want some scissors.

First you will tear the newspaper in half (at the fold) leaving you with about 12" of width. (pic 1)

Measure out the length of the toilet paper roll and tear horizontally - scissors here for perfectionists though I promise it will be okay if it is a little off. (pic 2)

Step 3: Forming the Pot

 Its time to form our pot


Roll the newspaper around the toilet paper roll leaving about 1" overhanging.

Fold up the overhanging portion into the opening of the TP roll.

Write the type of seed you will be planting in this container.

Carefully slide the newspaper off.

Step 4: Planting the Seeds

 Once you have made your mini-pot you must now make something grow inside of it.

Fill pot 1/2 of the way full

Place desired number of seeds in (typically 1 - 3 depending on plant)

Fill in with soil leaving about 1/2" empty with no soil.

Step 5: Finishing Up

 Make and fill as many as you see fit for your spring project.

Place all mini-pots together for best results.

Place in sunlit area and water frequently.

Transplant into pots or ground when suggested by seed packet.

Comments

[Quinsy]

made it this afternoon for my tomato plants

[Marisa808]

I am having problems with fuzzy mold growing on the outside of the pots. Is this ok?

[velacreations]

Why don't you try it without the container? Soil Blocks are easy and work really well: https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Super-Cheap-Seed-Starters/

[quirxi]

Hi,

i think that this is really a great idea, but i am a bit worried that the newspaper will fall apart when you start to water the seedlings! Did you try that out ?

[shoch87]

Thanks for your comment.

The newspaper will hold up better than you would think. The idea is that it will eventually deteriorate and decompose when placed in the ground; with that said, it will stay together more than long enough for your seeds to germinate and grow large enough to be transplanted.

Go try it and have fun with it.

[quirxi]

Cool ! I will try it out and see what happens ;) - thank you !