From the page: The tube that holds infinite possibilities
Idea 9
Biodegradable seed pot
Before plastic trays existed, our grandparents were already making little cups from paper and newspaper to germinate seeds. Cardboard is perfect for this because it retains moisture without getting waterlogged and, when planted directly in the ground, decomposes within weeks — the roots grow through the walls without suffering the stress of transplanting.
What you need
- Cardboard tubes (from toilet paper or paper towels)
- Scissors
- Potting mix or sifted soil
- A shallow tray to hold the cups
- Seeds (lettuce, arugula, sunflower, squash)
How to make it
-
1
Make four vertical cuts of about 3 cm on one end of the tube, as if making petals — this will be the bottom of the cup.
-
2
Fold the four flaps over one another, overlapping them like a milk carton, to form a closed bottom that holds the soil.
-
3
Fill each cup with damp potting mix up to 1 cm from the edge, without pressing too hard, because the roots need air.
-
4
Plant the seeds at the depth indicated on the package (rule of thumb: 2 to 3 times the seed's size) and water gently.
-
5
Keep the cups in a tray, watering from below when the cardboard feels dry to the touch — this prevents fungus on the surface.
-
6
When the seedling has two true leaves, plant the entire cup in the garden bed, burying it up to the rim.
Finishing touches
Write the plant's name and the planting date in pencil directly on the cardboard — it's the perfect marker. Avoid using tubes with paint residue or glossy plastic coating.
This is one of the ideas from the full page — see all the possibilities.
This page feeds the collective knowledge 🌱 — every discovery makes the next answer better.