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SU ND A Y , F E B R U A R Y 1 7 , 2 0 0 8

Newspaper Seed Starting Pots

Time to get a head start on that garden! Every good

gardener needs seed starting pots for spring. So...

Welcome to the Newspaper Seed Starting Pots

Tutorial!
Save money and be kind to the earth by recycling old
newspapers into biodegradable pots. You can also
reduce transplanting shock to your seedlings by
leaving them in the pots at planting time - the pots
will break down harmlessly in your garden soil!

What you need:

old newspapers (Colored newsprint may contain

petroleum based ink. Soya based colored ink is
fine. Check with the publisher or use only black
and white sheets for your pots if you are
unsure.)

a can with a circumference equal to that which

you want for your finished seed starting pots.

tape for stabilizing side seam and bottom

creases (optional)

(Please Note: Clicking on any of the tutorial images

will open a larger photo in a new window.)

For this tutorial I used a weekly publication that has

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(Please Note: Clicking on any of the tutorial images
will open a larger photo in a new window.)

For this tutorial I used a weekly publication that has

sheets
somewhat smaller than those of a standard daily
newspaper, but the principle is the same for full-sized
sheets.

Step 1. - Open your newspaper sheet out fully, as

shown below:

Step 2. - Fold the sheet in half, from top to bottom.

Step 3. - Then fold it in half again, from top to

bottom. You should now have a long narrow strip that
is a suitable depth for your pot, plus the ends that will
be folded in for the bottom.

Step 4. - Now you need that can. I used a 5.5 ounce

tomato paste can for an average-sized seed starting
pot. If your plant will be spending a longer time in the
pot, or if it has rapid rate of growth, use a larger can
and full-sized newspaper sheets.

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Step 5. - Lay your can on its side, on the newspaper,

leaving enough overhang to fold in and make a
bottom for your pot.

Step 6. - Now starting at one end, roll the newspaper

strip, snugly around the can. Don't wrap it too tight or
it won't slide out easily when you are done.

Step 7. - Continue rolling the can in the paper until it

is at the end. If desired you can secure the end with a
small piece of tape to make it easier to handle.

Step 8. - Then fold in the paper that extends past the

bottom of the can. Stand the can on a hard surface
and press down on it fairly hard, while twisting the can
back and forth. This will set the bottom creases of the
newspaper pot. Below is a shot of a finished pot on its
side.
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 bottom of the can. Stand the can on a hard surface
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and press down on it fairly hard, while twisting the can
back and forth. This will set the bottom creases of the
newspaper pot. Below is a shot of a finished pot on its
side.

Step 9. - Here is a shot of the pot from the bottom.

Place a small piece of tape along the edge to keep it
from unrolling. You can also tape the bottom if
desired, but when the pots are filled with soil and
placed in a tray they will hold their shape, even
without tape.

Step 10. - Time to admire your work! Ta dah! A

beautiful, biodegradable, newspaper seed starting pot.
Environmentally friendly gardening at its best.

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 Environmentally friendly gardening at its best.
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All that's left is to fill it with a good seed starting

medium. Gardening Joy!

And what makes a good seed starting medium? Read

all about it next time, I will even include a couple of
recipes for mixing your own seed starting soil.

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