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Starting seeds doesn’t have to be expensive or require fancy equipment. You can repurpose items from around your home—like eggshells, newspapers, and egg cartons—to create natural, biodegradable seed-starting containers.
This method is budget-friendly while helping to reduce waste, making it a win-win for you and the environment.
Follow this step-by-step guide to turn ordinary toilet paper rolls into perfect containers for your seedlings.
Why Use Toilet Paper Rolls as Seed Starters?
- Eco-Friendly: Toilet paper rolls are biodegradable, so they can be planted directly into the soil, reducing waste and enriching your garden.
- Cost-Effective: This method uses something you already have at home, saving money on seed trays.
- Easy to Use: Toilet paper rolls are simple to transform into seed starters with no special tools required.
Seed Starter And Record Keeper Planner
Want to start seeds indoors but need help staying organized? This simple downloadable seed starting kit includes both a seed starting plan to help you set dates for planting and a seed starting record so you can keep track of the specific fruits and vegetables you’ve planted.
What You’ll Need
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Scissors
- Seed-starting potting soil
- Seeds of your choice
- A waterproof tray or container to hold the rolls
- gardening gloves
DIY Toilet Paper Roll Seed Starters
- Cut to Size: If you prefer shorter seed starters, cut each roll in half. This makes them more manageable and easier to fill with soil.
- To form a base for each roll, make four evenly spaced cuts about 1 inch up from one end. Fold the flaps inward to create a flat bottom. This will keep the soil in place while allowing for drainage.
- Place the prepared rolls upright in a waterproof tray or shallow container. The tray will keep the rolls stable and catch any excess water when you water the seeds.
- Spoon seed-starting potting soil into each roll, filling it about three-quarters of the way. Lightly tamp the soil down to remove air pockets, but don’t pack it too tightly as roots need room to grow.
- Follow the instructions on your seed packet to determine the planting depth and number of seeds per roll. Place the seeds on top of the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil, or press them lightly into the surface, depending on the seed type.
- Using a watering can or spray bottle, gently water the soil in each roll until it’s moist but not soggy. The cardboard will absorb some of the moisture, so check frequently to ensure the soil doesn’t dry out.
And That’s it.
Place the tray of toilet paper roll seed starters in a sunny spot, such as a windowsill, or under a grow light. Most seeds require warmth and light to germinate, so ensure they’re getting the proper conditions.
Keep the soil moist by watering as needed, and thin out the seedlings by snipping weaker ones with scissors once they sprout. This allows the strongest seedling in each roll to grow to its full potential.
Tips for Success
- Monitor Drainage: While cardboard is naturally absorbent, ensure excess water doesn’t pool at the bottom of the tray.
- Use a Waterproof Tray: Cardboard can soften and lose structure when wet, so keeping the rolls in a tray ensures they stay upright.
- Label Each Roll: Write the name of the seeds on each roll to keep track of your plants.
Other Posts You Might Like
- How to Start Seeds Indoors
- How To Germinate Seeds
- Best Seed Starting Supplies to Get Started With Seeds Indoors
- When to Start Seeds Indoors
- 10 Unusual Things Around Your House You Can Use for Seed Starting
Transplant the Seedlings
When your seedlings are strong enough to handle and have grown a few leaves, they’re ready for transplanting. Here’s a complete guide on How to Prepare Seedlings for Transplanting.
