Cathy Isom has some excellent instructions for you about how to make do-it-yourself starter seed pots with things you already have. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours.
If you have old newspapers, junk mail, and other waste paper hanging around and taking up space in your home, then you have the makings for eco-friendly containers you can use to sprout new plants for your garden.
Most seeds aren’t too picky about what they grow in, as long as they get enough warmth, moisture, and sunlight. While there are plenty of containers you can purchase made specifically for starting seeds, you can save a little cash by making your own.
Newspaper, paper towel rolls, small boxes, and shredded paper can all be easily transformed into biodegradable seed pots.
When using newspaper, cut the paper into small triangles that are large enough to wrap all around a small glass jar with a little overlap. Immerse rectangles of newspaper in a shallow pan of water until moistened. Roll the softened paper around the jar. Extend the bottom edge of the paper enough to fold and form the pot’s bottom. Crimp and press the paper around the bottom of the jar. Flatten the bottom by pressing it on a flat surface, and set aside to dry. Carefully slide the paper pot off the jar. Fill your new paper pots with seed starter mix and lightly pat down the soil. In the center of each pot, create a shallow hole in the soil with your finger or the end of a pencil. Place the seed in the hole and cover with soil. Spritz the pots with enough water to completely moisten the soil.
Check the seed packet labels to help you figure out when to sow your seeds in your DIY pots. Usually, it’ll be about six to eight weeks before the average last frost date in your area.
I’m Cathy Isom…