Sunday, March 25, 2012

DIY Seed Pods-Revisited

A couple of weeks ago I posted about the all paper seed pods I was experimenting with.  While they've worked out just fine, I've adapted my process a bit and am now using both toilet paper rolls and newspaper.  The toilet paper rolls offer just a bit more support than the newspaper alone and I've been pretty happy with the results so far.

 Now, why have I decided to make my own seed pods instead of buying them at my local nursery?  Cost.  Buying seed pods from our local nursery can get very expensive depending on how many seeds we start each season and this season we are attempting to start everything we grow from seed! 

 All you need for this project is a few empty toilet paper rolls, some newspaper and some seed starting/potting soil.

First, cut your toilet paper rolls in half.

Next, tear your newspaper into 1-1 ½ inch strips.


Then, fold your newspaper strip in half and stick it into your toilet paper roll.  This creates a bottom for your “pod”.  The ends of the paper can sit upright along the sides of your toilet paper roll.


Next, pour in some of your soil and tamp it down a little (not too tightly, though)


Finally, plant your seed(s) in your new pod and place on a tray or a plate (it won’t be water tight) and water it gently.   Then, place it on a window sill or under your grow lights.  Check your pods daily and keep moist.

Since both the newspaper and the toilet paper roll will decompose, when it is time to up-pot or transplant your seedling you can simply plant the entire thing.

at

13 comments:

  1. Tonya @ My Cozy Little FarmhouseMarch 25, 2012 at 8:07 AM

    That is such a great and economical ideal! I think I will be borrowing this for me to use! Good job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMarch 26, 2012 at 7:28 PM

      Yay! I'm so glad you've found it helpful! Enjoy the process :-)

      Delete
  2. AnonymousMarch 25, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    This is a fun method and great for children to get introduced to gardening.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMarch 26, 2012 at 7:28 PM

      Yes!!! It's absolutely a good idea for introducing kids to gardening! :-)

      Delete
  3. Stoney AcresMarch 25, 2012 at 9:05 AM

    This is a fantastic idea. I used up all my cell packs yesterday and still have more seeds I wanted to plant. I'm going to try this one out for sure!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMarch 26, 2012 at 7:29 PM

      That's exactly the reason I started playing with making my own little pods! Happy sowing!

      Delete
  4. 1st ManMarch 25, 2012 at 12:11 PM

    Great idea. Ironically, we have a trashcan in the bathroom that has sort of been holding empty toilet paper rolls (just lazy, haven't emptied it into the recycle bin yet) and now I have a use for them! Awesome!! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. James BlackMarch 27, 2012 at 6:27 AM

    Those look like some great pods for seeds. This seems like a great idea! I'll have to test it out myself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MelissaMarch 28, 2012 at 8:08 PM

      Thanks, James! I hope they work well for you!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousMarch 28, 2012 at 8:07 PM

    Stopping by from the Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways Wednesday Blog Hop! http://queenofsavings.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousApril 17, 2012 at 7:20 AM

    These are great pods. I hope they turn out the way you want it too. Thanks for sharing as well.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to share your voice! Your feedback and perspectives in this space help it to feel so much less like a one sided conversation. I welcome and enjoy each and every one of your comments and will do my best to respond as quickly as possible. However, if you are here to promote a business or be unkind, please know that this is not the place to do so and such comments will be quickly deleted.