A couple of weeks ago I posted about the all paper seed pods I was experimenting with. While they’ve worked out just fine, I’ve adapted my process a bit and am now using both toilet paper rolls and newspaper. The toilet paper rolls offer just a bit more support than the newspaper alone and I’ve been pretty happy with the results so far.
Now, why have I decided to make my own seed pods instead of buying them at my local nursery? Cost. Buying seed pods from our local nursery can get very expensive depending on how many seeds we start each season and this season we are attempting to start everything we grow from seed!
All you need for this project is a few empty toilet paper rolls, some newspaper and some seed starting/potting soil.
First, cut your toilet paper rolls in half.
Next, tear your newspaper into 1-1 ½ inch strips.
Then, fold your newspaper strip in half and stick it into your toilet paper roll. This creates a bottom for your “pod”. The ends of the paper can sit upright along the sides of your toilet paper roll.
Next, pour in some of your soil and tamp it down a little (not too tightly, though)
Finally, plant your seed(s) in your new pod and place on a tray or a plate (it won’t be water tight) and water it gently. Then, place it on a window sill or under your grow lights. Check your pods daily and keep moist.
Since both the newspaper and the toilet paper roll will decompose, when it is time to up-pot or transplant your seedling you can simply plant the entire thing.
Linking up to Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways #20
(Visited 1,103 times, 1 visits today)
Pingback: Sowing Seeds - Inspirations, Ideas & Resources - Ever Growing Farm | Ever Growing Farm
Pingback: Seed Starting 2014 - Ever Growing Farm | Ever Growing Farm
Pingback: 20 Frugal, Repurposed Seed Starting Containers - The Free Range Life
These are great pods. I hope they turn out the way you want it too. Thanks for sharing as well.
Stopping by from the Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop! http://queenofsavings.com
Thanks for popping over!!!
Those look like some great pods for seeds. This seems like a great idea! I’ll have to test it out myself.
Thanks, James! I hope they work well for you!
This is a fun method and great for children to get introduced to gardening.
Yes!!! It’s absolutely a good idea for introducing kids to gardening! 🙂
Great idea. Ironically, we have a trashcan in the bathroom that has sort of been holding empty toilet paper rolls (just lazy, haven’t emptied it into the recycle bin yet) and now I have a use for them! Awesome!! Thanks!
Ha! Perfect 🙂
This is a fantastic idea. I used up all my cell packs yesterday and still have more seeds I wanted to plant. I’m going to try this one out for sure!!
That’s exactly the reason I started playing with making my own little pods! Happy sowing!
That is such a great and economical ideal! I think I will be borrowing this for me to use! Good job!
Yay! I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful! Enjoy the process 🙂