Biodegradable Toilet Paper Roll Seedling Pots

With these easy to make biodegradable pots there's no need to go out and buy expensive peat pots. These are the perfect size for normal size seedlings. Big seeds like sunflower seeds are not suitable for a starter pot this size but that should be a given. This pot is perfect for starting seeds and can be planted directly into a bigger container or into ground soil. They cost almost nothing and are a great way to re-use something you would have thrown away anyway.

Step 1: Fold the Roll Into a Square.

Fold the roll in half one way. Then, fold it in half the other way, making sure the creases from the last fold line up and you have a square!

Step 2: Cut the Roll in Half.

Cut the roll into two parts.

Step 3: Cut Out the Flaps.

Fold the roll in half one way and make a 3/4 inch cut, then fold the roll in half the other way and make another 3/4 inch cut. You should have 4 cuts in total on the bottom of your roll. Repeat this step on the other roll.

Step 4: Crease the Flaps.

Fold and unfold all of your flaps. This is to establish a flat, even, square bottom of the pot.Repeat this step on the other roll.

Step 5: Fold the Flaps Cardboard Box Style.

Fold the first three flaps down, overlapping each other. Fold the bottom flap down first, then fold the left flap down, overlapping the bottom flap, then fold the top flap down, overlapping the left flap. Now here's the tricky part. Fold the right flap under the bottom flap and over the top flap. This holds the pot together. Repeat this step on the other pot.

Step 6: Plant!

You're now done with your two biodegradable pots and can add potting soil and sow your seeds. You can even make an army of pots like I did. Thank you for reading my instructable and don't forget to comment. This is my first instructable and I would love to hear your feedback!

Comments

[Xelar]

What would be good starter for big seeds? (I was planning on using these lol)

[NirL]

this is great :) Thanks for sharing (even if it was a while ago!)

[emechitham]

Thank you! Excellent idea. I already plant peas and beans in toilet rolls which is good for their long roots but it is annoying when the soil falls out in the the tray. It will be therapeutic to do this and we are trying to recycle and re-use as much as we can.

[tbeattylaf]

You can use for sunflowers and such. Just don’t cut it in half.

[HesterJ]

I love this much better than making them out of paper. Takes about the same amount of time.

[MissGarner74]

I've got over 200 seedlings that need their own pot. I'm going to use this idea with my gardening club. If I use full size toilet roll can I put bigger seedlings in do you think?

[technovative]

Awesome idea. This deserves to be a featured article.

[MixieP1]

I agree!

[useful_things]

Thanks!

[MixieP1]

Your instructions are clear, complete, and this idea sounds brilliant to me! I intend to pass it along to all my gardening friends.

[Lourda Leigh]

Thank you! This works great!

[CarindaS]

after the seedlings have taken off well, do I replant the whole thing, tube included?

[michelleleereid]

I'm looking forward to trying these with my students for Earth Day and as part of our plants science unit. We are an environmental science magnet school, so it fits in really well!

[kpotter11]

Great idea!

[DonR85]

Oh never mind. I found the little click numbers that gives the pics. Sorry.

[DonR85]

Sorry, instructions are not clear. Folding it according to the instructions give me a folded up cardboard that does not look like a pot. Should show a picture of folding the second step. I would use it no doubt.

[PamelaS113]

Very good use of to rolls---thank you---a money saver.

[JoseH8]

yesssssss!!! I just finished a roll and wondered if there was another environmentally friendly use for these instead of recycling; and here I am on this amazing walk-through. Thank you for the article and easy to view pictures. Definitely my next project!

[misterrichard]

Brilliant! I will be using this to start seedlings this spring.

[useful_things]

Cool! Thank you for commenting.