6 Easy DIY Biodegradable Seedling Pots You Can Make at Home!

6 Easy DIY Biodegradable Seedling Pots You Can Make at Home!

You’ll be amazed at what you can find around your house that can serve as seedling pots. Growing your own food is not just fulfilling; it also gives you fresh flavors and savings right from your garden. You might think that starting plants from seed is challenging, especially for more unusual varieties, but it’s much simpler—and more rewarding—than you might imagine!

1. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls

Paper towel and toilet paper tubes make excellent seedling pots. These worked surprisingly well. Simply cut the rolls in half or thirds. To close one end, stuff a wad of crumpled newspaper into the bottom or make 1-inch cuts along the bottom and fold in little tabs. Water these well, as the paper will soak it up initially. These pots are great for larger plants.

2. Citrus Rinds

Don’t throw away those citrus rinds! Hollowed-out citrus peels make fantastic seedling pots. Grapefruit rinds are the best, but even lemon rinds work well. This not only helps you compost your peels but also provides a unique pot for your seedlings. Just keep in mind that the skin will break down over time, although I didn’t experience any unpleasant smells or pesky flies.

3. Egg Cartons

Pressed-paper egg cartons are perfect as seedling trays. Cut the carton along the hinge and place the lid under the bottom half for added stability. Fill each egg cup with potting soil and plant your seeds. This method keeps different plant species organized, and when it’s time to transplant, you can easily cut apart each cup.

4. Eggshells

Eggshells make wonderful seedling pots! They are great for your soil and, when planted directly in the garden, enrich it further. This method retained moisture better than others, which is crucial when starting seedlings. After rinsing the shells, crack them slightly before planting to aid in their breakdown and allow roots to grow.

5. Ice Cream Cones

Believe it or not, stale ice cream cones can be effective seedling pots! Though they may become mushy initially, they harden and retain their shape once they dry out. If you have some that are already stale, give this method a try and see how it works for you.

6. Newspaper

Using newspaper for seedling pots is an old but reliable method. While it may not be as common today, it’s easy enough to create pots. Use a jelly jar or beer bottle as a mold, cut 5-inch wide strips of newspaper, and roll them around your container. Pinch the bottom flaps in to form a pot shape, and you’ll have a great biodegradable planter ready for use.

The One That Didn’t Work

While I tried to use loofahs as seedling pots based on various recommendations, they simply didn’t hold enough moisture. Save your loofahs for the bath instead of the garden!

Conclusion

Now that you know how to create your own biodegradable seedling pots using common household items, you can easily start prepping for your garden. Your seedlings will thrive, and when it’s time for transplanting, you can do so without the hassle of removing them from their pots. Happy gardening!