Newspaper Pots
Jun 2nd, 2007 by Robo
Biodegradable seedlings pots
Why pay for biodegradable pots for your seedlings when you can make your own for free? These pots can be planted right in your garden to help reduce transplant shock to your plants. Here are step by step photos and directions on how to build an easy newspaper pot.
Step 1: The materials and tools needed are: Newspaper, Straight edge, Empty spray paint can (with cap), Razor knife, & Stapler.
Step 2: Cut the newspaper in half lengthwise. Our local rag is about 22in.x12in., which makes a pot approximately 3-1/2in. high x 2-3/4in. diameter. There is nothing magical about the newspaper size, I just don’t want to spend the time doing anymore cutting than I have to. Experiment with whatever size paper you have. I can fit 24 of these pots in a standard seed starter tray.
Step 3: Next take 2 sheets together and put a double crease along the top of about 1/2in. I find this makes a nice ring on the top of the pot and increases the rigidity.
Step 4: Take the spray paint can and mark 3-1/2in. from the bottom with a marker or masking tape. Tightly roll the paper around the paint can with the crease side out and and below the mark on the can. I usually get about 2 1/2 times around the can.
Step 5: Turn the can over and fold the overhang into the bottom of the can. I try to do it in a somewhat circular motion.
Step 6: Take the spray paint cap and with a circular motion press the paper tightly into recess in the bottom of the can.
Step 7: Gently slide the paper off the can and staple the top of the pot at the seam.
Step 8: The finished product.
Thanks for showing what I’ve had a hard time visualizing. Is it okay if I copied this for our organics backyard gardeners? Other than me (48) they’re all over seventy and look for less expensive ways to start seeds in the winter. Website has some excellent potential. Now if I could only find a flea repellant…
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David,
Feel free to share it with your fellow gardeners. Credit is always appreciated
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Maybe I am a little dense but I need some clarification:
Step 2: You are cutting in half the single 22 x 12 page?
Step 3: Two sheets together? So do you mean you just took the 2 sheets you made out of the sheet you cut in half? If so, why not just fold the 22 x 12 page in half?
Thanks for any clarification!
Steve
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Robo Reply:
May 8th, 2009 at 7:42 am
Steve,
That would work too. There are a couple of ways to go about it, depending on what size sheet of paper you start with. In my case a single 22×12 or a double fold 22×24. You can simple fold the single in half like you suggested, fold the double on it’s crease and cut in half (through both sheets) like shown in my picture, or cut the double on the crease and fold the pieces like a single.
Bottom line is you need 2 layers of 6×22 for Step 3.
rob…
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How long before the newspaper pots start to break down? Typically I start my perennial seeds, in pots, right after the first of the year. I set them out side and let nature take it’s course. Would these newspaper pots hold together until planting time? Planting time is in April here.
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Robo Reply:
September 14th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
For the most part, the pots don’t disintegrate until placed in the ground. If you allow for air to circulate around the pots and allow them to dry between watering and you should not have a problem.
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