Starting your seedlings in a biodegradable pot is a great way to minimize transplant shock. When the time comes to place your seedling in the ground, you can simply dig your planting hole and place the entire thing — pot, seedling, and soil — straight into the hole. In time, the pot will decay into the soil.
Biodegradable seed pots are available to purchase, but can be expensive. You can save money and save the earth by making your own biodegradable seedling pots out of newspaper. You can fold your own seedling pot, origami style. However, folding or rolling newspaper around a mold results in a sturdier pot. Here’s how to do it.
You will need
Strips of newspaper (preferably black and white, with few pictures), approximately 12″ long x 3″ wide
A paper pot mold. You can purchase one online or in garden stores, or make a mold yourself.
Directions
- Roll a strip of newspaper around the paper pot mold handle. Make sure there is at least 1″ of newspaper extending beyond the bottom of the handle.
- Tuck the overhanging newspaper into the bottom of the handle. Make sure the newspaper completely covers the bottom of the handle.
- Place the handle into the base and press firmly. Twist the handle around a few times.
- Lift the handle from the base and remove the finished pot.
- Fill your pot with potting soil and seed, then spritz gently.
