Starting seeds indoors often requires small containers, and paper pots offer an appealing alternative to traditional plastic trays or peat pellets. These homemade vessels provide a sustainable and cost-effective method for gardeners to begin their planting season. Utilizing materials already found in the home reduces waste and eliminates the need to purchase specialty supplies. The primary advantage of using paper for these containers lies in their completely biodegradable nature, which simplifies the transplanting process and benefits the garden soil.
Gathering Supplies and Paper Preparation
Creating these pots requires newspaper or plain brown paper bags. You will also need a cylindrical mold, such as a tin can or a glass jar, alongside a ruler and scissors. Standard black and white newsprint is the safest choice because the inks are typically soy-based and non-toxic. Avoid glossy magazine pages or colored inserts, as these materials often contain pigments and chemicals unsuitable for seedlings. Preparation involves cutting the paper into strips, with the width determined by the desired pot depth. A strip roughly three to four times the height of the mold’s base is a functional starting measurement.
Step-by-Step Folding Method
Wrap one paper strip smoothly around the cylindrical mold, leaving a significant overhang extending past the bottom edge. This excess material is important for forming the base of the pot. Ensure the paper is wrapped tightly enough to hold its shape once the mold is removed, but not so tight that it tears.
Hold the paper firmly in place around the cylinder and fold the overhanging paper inward, directly against the bottom of the can. This process involves making a series of small, overlapping folds. Start by folding the paper in four equidistant points, creating creases that divide the base into quarters. Continue folding the remaining paper sections inward, ensuring each fold overlaps the previous one to secure the base completely.
Press the bottom firmly against a flat surface to compact and flatten the folded layers. This action locks the folds together and creates a stable, flat bottom. While holding the folded base in place, slide the paper cylinder up and off the mold.
Gently fold the top one-half inch of the rim inward. This simple fold adds structural integrity to the pot’s sides and prevents the paper from unraveling during watering. The result is a sturdy, freestanding container ready for planting.
Filling, Watering, and Direct Transplanting
Fill the paper pots with a sterile, lightweight seed starting mix. Gently spoon the mix into the container, tapping the pot lightly to settle the medium and remove any large air pockets. The soil level should be filled to about one-half inch below the rim to allow space for watering. After the soil is settled, the seeds can be sown according to their specific depth requirements.
Since the material wicks moisture rapidly, paper pots must be kept in a waterproof tray to prevent quick drying and manage excess water. Watering from the bottom allows the paper and the soil mix to absorb moisture slowly and evenly through capillary action. This bottom-up method encourages deeper root growth and helps the paper maintain its structural integrity.
The entire paper pot is planted directly into the soil when seedlings are ready for the garden. Tear or cut a few small slits into the sides of the paper before planting to accelerate decomposition. The paper will naturally decompose within a few weeks, allowing the roots to grow freely without experiencing transplant shock.