Toilet Paper Rolls for Seed Starting

by Patty B

I am dedicated to recycling if at all possible. So I like to start my seeds in something that I can just drop in the ground and it will compost. I have been collecting toilet paper rolls for months. When I replace an empty roll with a new roll; I flattened the empty roll and rubber band them together until spring. When spring arrives, I am ready with my TP roll seed pods.

toilet paper rolls for seed starting, container gardening, gardening, repurposing upcycling

To begin, I flatten the TP roll the opposite sides so that it forms a square tube. To make it easy to identify what is planted in the pod later, you can write on the side of the TP roll the name of the seed you are planting. I then cut up the corners approx. 1 inch. I put a mark on my scissors at the depth I want to cut. This helps in creating a pod that will stand straight and not lean in one direction. I then fold all the edges in and form a crease. From the inside push the edges or flaps back out to form a flat bottom. It doesn't matter what order the flaps lay. The pod should stand alone with a bottom at this point.

I then stand all the pods in a waterproof container. I fill each pot with some seed starting material to within an inch of the top. I then place a seed in each pod. The particular seed I am planting is Birdhouse Gourds. I then cover all the seed with more seed starter soil. I use a baster to water each pod. ( a 10ȼ thrift store find, handy for many things) I add more soil and more water if needed. (Refer to seed packet for depth to plant and germination times) Wait for germination!