Robo’s World

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.