Welcome to Lawnmowing99! If you’re a gardener, or even just someone who’s interested in growing their own plants, you’ve probably encountered the need for creative solutions when it comes to starting seeds. Over the years, I’ve experimented with all kinds of seed-starting methods, but one of my favorites has been using toilet paper rolls. Yes, you read that right—those humble, everyday toilet paper rolls that would otherwise end up in the trash.
In this information, I’m going to walk you through how I started using toilet paper rolls for seed starting, why it became one of my go-to methods, and how it can work wonders for your garden too. I’ll also share the challenges I faced along the way and how I overcame them, so you can avoid the same mistakes.
Before we jump in, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more gardening tips, sustainable gardening hacks, and all the expert advice you need to grow a thriving garden. Let’s dig in!
My First Encounter with Seed Starting in Toilet Paper Rolls
I first came across the idea of using toilet paper rolls for seed starting a few years ago when I was looking for ways to reduce waste in my garden. I had been using plastic pots for seed starting, but over time, I realized how much plastic I was accumulating and how little I was recycling. Plus, I wanted a more natural, sustainable way to grow my plants that wouldn’t contribute to landfill waste.
At first, I was a little skeptical about using toilet paper rolls. After all, they’re just cardboard tubes, right? I wasn’t sure how something so simple could work as a proper seed-starting container. But after reading about the benefits—such as their biodegradability and the fact that they could be planted directly in the ground—I decided to give it a try. That decision turned out to be a game-changer for me.
Why Toilet Paper Rolls for Seed Starting?
You might be wondering, “Why toilet paper rolls?” Let me tell you—there are a few fantastic reasons why they work so well for seed starting, and why they’ve become my go-to method over the years:
- Eco-friendly: As someone who’s passionate about sustainability, I love that toilet paper rolls are biodegradable. When it’s time to transplant your seedlings, you can plant the entire roll into the ground, and it will break down over time. No plastic, no waste.
- Perfect Size: Toilet paper rolls are the ideal size for most seeds. They’re tall enough to give the plant’s roots room to grow but not so large that they require excessive soil or take up too much space.
- Strong and Sturdy: As long as you don’t overwater them, toilet paper rolls can hold their shape and support the growing plant. They’re surprisingly durable, and they won’t collapse under the weight of the soil or plant.
- Root Development: One of the best things about using toilet paper rolls is that they allow for great root development. The cardboard holds moisture, but the roots can eventually grow through the material, which makes for an easy transition into the garden without disturbing the plant’s roots.
- Cost-effective: I love that I’m able to reuse something that would normally be thrown away. It’s one of the most cost-effective ways to start seeds—plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover toilet paper rolls that are just sitting around!
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Seeds in Toilet Paper Rolls
Now that I’ve convinced you of the benefits, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of how I start seeds in toilet paper rolls. Over the years, I’ve fine-tuned the process, and I’m excited to share it with you.
What You’ll Need:
- Toilet paper rolls (clean and dry)
- A tray or container to hold the rolls (like a shallow baking dish or a seed tray)
- Potting soil (I recommend a light, well-draining mix for seed starting)
- Seeds (your choice—tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, flowers, etc.)
- Scissors (optional)
- Water and a spray bottle (to keep soil moist)
- A sunny spot or grow light (for the seedlings to thrive)
Step 1: Prepare the Toilet Paper Rolls
The first step is to set up the toilet paper rolls. I like to line up the rolls in a seed tray or baking dish, but you could also use a plastic container or an old shoebox. The important thing is to have something to catch any excess water and soil as you work.
If you want to create more depth for larger plants, you can even cut each toilet paper roll in half to create shorter, more compact pots. This works well for smaller seedlings or when you’re starting a lot of plants in limited space.
Step 2: Fill the Rolls with Soil
Once your rolls are in place, it’s time to fill them with potting soil. I like to use a light, fluffy soil mix for seed starting. This kind of mix drains well while still retaining enough moisture to help the seeds germinate.
I fill each roll about three-quarters of the way with soil, pressing it down gently to compact it slightly. You don’t want to press too hard or the soil will be too dense, but you do want it firm enough to hold the seed steady.
Step 3: Plant Your Seeds
Now comes the fun part—planting the seeds! I usually plant one or two seeds per roll, depending on the size of the seed and the variety. For larger seeds like beans or squash, I plant just one seed per roll. For smaller seeds like herbs or lettuce, I’ll often plant two and thin them out later if needed.
When planting, I make sure to follow the recommended planting depth for each seed. I use my finger or a small stick to make a small hole in the center of the soil and place the seed in. After that, I cover the seed lightly with a bit more soil and gently pat it down.
Step 4: Water and Maintain Moisture
After planting, I give each roll a light spray of water. I’ve found that a spray bottle works best to avoid over-watering and causing the soil to shift. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, until the seeds begin to germinate.
I also make sure to keep the rolls in a warm, sunny spot or under a grow light. A temperature range of 65-75°F is ideal for most seeds. As the seeds begin to sprout, I move the rolls to a slightly cooler location to prevent the seedlings from getting too leggy.
Step 5: Transplanting into the Garden
Once your seedlings have grown big enough and are ready for transplanting, I simply take the entire toilet paper roll, soil and all, and plant it directly into the garden. The roll will break down over time, and the roots will grow through it naturally.
If the roll is still intact after a few weeks in the garden, I don’t worry about it. It will biodegrade, and in the meantime, it helps retain moisture and provides structure to the plant’s roots.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
While starting seeds in toilet paper rolls is a fantastic method, there have been a few challenges along the way. Here are a couple of things I’ve learned to watch out for:
- Overwatering: Toilet paper rolls are made of cardboard, so they tend to hold moisture longer than plastic pots. In the beginning, I overwatered a few times, which caused the rolls to become soggy and start breaking apart. Now, I’m much more careful about watering and make sure to check the soil regularly. A light spray works better than a heavy pour.
- Toppling Over: Sometimes, the rolls can get top-heavy as the seedlings grow, especially if they’re taller plants like tomatoes. I’ve solved this by making sure to plant them in a sturdy tray or by propping the rolls up with sticks or small supports.
- Too Much Moisture: The rolls can trap moisture, especially in humid environments, so I make sure my seed trays have good air circulation and aren’t too tightly packed together.
Why I Stick with Toilet Paper Rolls
After several years of experimenting with different seed-starting methods, toilet paper rolls remain my favorite. They’re eco-friendly, cost-effective, and simple to use. Most importantly, they’ve consistently given me strong, healthy seedlings that I’ve successfully transplanted into my garden year after year.
I’ve grown everything from tomatoes and cucumbers to herbs and flowers using this method, and it’s always been reliable. Plus, it feels great knowing that I’m reusing something that would otherwise end up in the trash.
Final Thoughts
Starting seeds in toilet paper rolls is a great way to simplify the seed-starting process, reduce waste, and grow healthy plants. If you haven’t tried this method yet, I highly recommend giving it a go—it’s one of the easiest and most sustainable ways to start your garden.
If you found this information helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Lawnmowing99 for more gardening tips, tricks, and DIY ideas. Happy gardening, and I hope your seed starting journey is as successful as mine!