How to Make Newspaper Pot Seedling Starters — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Create your own eco-friendly seedling starters using just newspaper and a jar! These biodegradable pots are perfect for getting a head start on your garden.
Quick answer
To make newspaper pot seedling starters, you need newspaper, a jar, and scissors, taking about 15 minutes. Start by cutting newspaper strips and wrapping them around a jar. This beginner-friendly activity has 7 steps and is perfect for families with children aged 6+.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
Cut newspaper into strips approximately 4-6 inches wide and 12-18 inches long.
- 2
Take one strip of newspaper and fold it in half lengthwise.
- 3
Place the jar on one end of the folded newspaper strip, aligning the edge of the newspaper with the bottom of the jar.
- 4
Begin wrapping the newspaper strip tightly around the jar, leaving about 2 inches of newspaper extending below the bottom of the jar.
- 5
Continue wrapping until the entire side of the jar is covered, ensuring the newspaper is snug.
- 6
Once wrapped, fold the excess newspaper at the bottom of the jar inwards, creating a base for your pot.
- 7
Gently slide the newspaper pot off the jar, leaving you with a sturdy, cylindrical pot with a folded base.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1If your newspaper tears, simply overlap another strip and continue wrapping.
- 2For a more robust pot, use two layers of newspaper for each pot.
- 3You can customize the height of your pots by adjusting the length of your newspaper strips.
- 4These pots are biodegradable and can be planted directly into the ground with your seedlings.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are newspaper seedling starters good for plants?
Yes, newspaper seedling starters are excellent for plants. They are biodegradable, allowing roots to grow through them easily when planted, and they don't create plastic waste.
How long do newspaper seedling starters last?
Newspaper seedling starters are designed for short-term use, typically for the germination and early growth stages of seedlings, usually a few weeks to a couple of months before planting out.
Can I plant newspaper pots directly in the ground?
Absolutely! The beauty of newspaper seedling starters is that they are fully biodegradable. You can plant them directly into your garden bed or larger container, and the newspaper will break down over time.
What size jar should I use for seedling starters?
A jar or can that is about 4-6 inches tall works well. This size provides enough depth for most common seeds to germinate and develop a small root system before transplanting.
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