Welcome to Lawnmowing99! If you’re a gardener looking to save money, be eco-friendly, and have fun while doing it, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorite gardening tips: crafting newspaper seed pots. Over the years, I’ve learned the art of making these simple, inexpensive, and sustainable pots, and they’ve become a staple in my garden. Whether you’re new to gardening or an experienced grower, making newspaper seed pots is a great way to start seeds while minimizing waste.
Before we get started, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more helpful gardening tips and tricks. Let’s jump into the step-by-step process of crafting your own newspaper seed pots!
My First Experience with Newspaper Seed Pots
I’ll be honest with you: I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about using newspaper for seed pots. The idea of creating something sturdy enough to hold soil and support a growing plant from a material that was so thin seemed a little too good to be true. But as a beginner gardener, I was always looking for affordable alternatives to the plastic pots I had been using. I also wanted to be more eco-conscious, so I gave it a try.
The first time I made newspaper seed pots, it was a bit messy, and I wasn’t sure how they would hold up once the seedlings started to grow. I used regular newspaper, rolled it up, and made a bunch of little pots. I filled them with soil, added my seeds, and hoped for the best. The results? Let’s just say it wasn’t perfect, but it definitely opened my eyes to the potential of newspaper as a gardening material.
What I learned early on is that, while newspaper seed pots are incredibly easy to make, the key is in the execution. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned my technique, and now I use them for nearly every seed I start. I love that I can toss the entire pot into the garden when it’s time to transplant—no need to worry about disturbing delicate roots or finding a new container.
Why Choose Newspaper Seed Pots?
So, why make your own seed pots from newspaper? There are several great reasons why I continue to craft newspaper seed pots year after year:
- Sustainable & Eco-friendly: As gardeners, we often find ourselves thinking about how to reduce our environmental impact. Newspaper seed pots are biodegradable, so when it’s time to plant your seedlings in the ground, you can plant the entire pot. This reduces plastic waste and helps you embrace a more sustainable gardening practice.
- Cost-effective: If you’re starting seeds on a budget (and who isn’t?), newspaper seed pots are a fantastic way to save money. I’ve found that I can make dozens of pots from a single newspaper, and it’s a lot cheaper than buying commercial pots or trays.
- Easy to Make: I was pleasantly surprised by how simple it was to make newspaper seed pots. You don’t need any special tools or materials—just a bit of time and effort. I’ve been able to craft hundreds of these pots while watching TV or sitting in the garden with a cup of coffee.
- Good for Root Development: Since newspaper pots are biodegradable, the plant roots can easily grow through the pot when it’s time to transplant. The newspaper also helps retain moisture, which is a big plus when you’re starting seeds indoors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Newspaper Seed Pots
Now that you know why newspaper seed pots are a great choice, let’s get into the step-by-step process of making them. I’ve been crafting these pots for years, and I’m going to share all my tips to ensure you can create pots that are sturdy, functional, and perfect for starting seeds.
What You’ll Need:
- A few sheets of newspaper (the kind with ink that’s not glossy)
- Scissors
- A small container or a cylindrical object (like an empty can, jar, or even a small glass) to use as a mold
- Tape or glue (optional)
- Potting soil
- Seeds of your choice
Step 1: Prepare the Newspaper
The first step is to cut the newspaper into manageable strips. I usually cut my newspaper into 4-inch wide strips. Depending on how big or small you want your seed pots to be, you can adjust the width. However, I’ve found that this size is perfect for most vegetable and flower seeds.
It’s also helpful to cut several strips at once to save time. In fact, I’ll often get a whole stack of newspapers ready before I start, so I can make a bunch of pots in one sitting.
Step 2: Roll the Newspaper Around the Mold
Now comes the fun part—making the actual pot! Take your strip of newspaper and begin rolling it tightly around your mold (a can or jar works perfectly). Start at one end of the newspaper and roll it around the object until you’ve reached the end of the strip.
Be sure to roll it tightly enough so that the pot holds its shape, but not so tightly that it’s impossible to unroll when you’re done. The edges of the newspaper should overlap slightly, forming a cylindrical shape.
Step 3: Secure the Bottom
Once you’ve rolled the newspaper around the mold, the next step is to form the bottom of the pot. This is where I’ve learned to be extra careful. What I do is fold up the bottom edge of the newspaper a few times (like you would fold a paper bag) to create a sturdy base. This prevents soil from leaking out.
You can also tape the bottom in place if you want a more secure seal, but I usually don’t bother unless the pot is particularly flimsy. Over time, I’ve found that the folding method works just fine.
Step 4: Remove the Mold
Once the bottom is secure, gently slide the mold (can, jar, or whatever you used) out from the center. The newspaper should hold its shape and be ready for planting. You can now repeat this process for the rest of your seed pots.
Step 5: Fill the Pots with Soil
At this point, your newspaper seed pots are ready to be filled with potting soil. I typically use a lightweight, well-draining soil mix to fill my pots. It’s important to pack the soil lightly as you fill the pot, as this will help prevent the roots from becoming waterlogged.
Once the pots are filled, I make a small hole in the center of the soil with my finger or a stick, and then I place my seeds inside. It’s a good idea to follow the recommended planting depth for each type of seed, as different plants require different depths for optimal germination.
Step 6: Water and Care
Now that the seeds are planted, I water the pots gently. I like to keep the soil moist but not too wet. Newspaper pots can dry out more quickly than plastic ones, so I make sure to check on them daily. I also place them in a sunny spot or under grow lights, depending on where I’m starting my seeds.
Tips and Tricks from My Experience
Through trial and error, I’ve learned a few tricks that make crafting and using newspaper seed pots even easier:
- Use Multiple Layers of Newspaper: For added sturdiness, I sometimes use two layers of newspaper, especially if I’m growing larger plants like tomatoes or peppers. This gives the pot extra support, and the roots still grow through it when it’s time to transplant.
- Make Bigger Pots for Larger Plants: If you’re planning on growing larger plants, you can easily make bigger pots by using wider newspaper strips and larger molds (think cans of soup or large jars). The bigger the pot, the more soil you can add for root development.
- Be Mindful of Watering: Newspaper pots dry out quickly, especially if you’re starting your seeds indoors. Be sure to check the moisture level regularly and top off the water as needed. A shallow saucer underneath the pots can help retain moisture for a longer period.
- Plant the Entire Pot: One of the best things about using newspaper seed pots is that you can plant the entire pot in the ground when it’s time to transplant. The newspaper will decompose over time, and the roots will grow through it naturally. It’s a simple and eco-friendly way to get your plants into the garden without disturbing the roots.
Final Thoughts
Crafting newspaper seed pots has been one of the most satisfying and rewarding practices I’ve adopted in my garden. Not only are they affordable and eco-friendly, but they also help me grow stronger, healthier plants. With a little practice and a few simple tools, you can make dozens of pots in no time. Plus, it’s a fun way to get your hands dirty and connect with your garden from the very beginning of the growing season.
If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more gardening tips, expert advice, and fun DIY projects. Happy planting!