Plastic seed pots are cheap, but every spring they add to the pile of garden plastic that ends up in landfill. There’s an easy alternative. You can make your own seed pots from newspaper or scrap paper in a few minutes, for free, and plant them straight into the ground when your seedlings are ready.
Why use paper pots for seedlings?
Paper pots are plastic free, and they break down in the soil. That means you don’t have to tip the seedling out of its pot at planting time, so the roots aren’t disturbed. This matters most for seedlings that sulk when their roots are handled, such as sweet peas. They also use paper you’d otherwise throw away.
What you need
A paper pot maker, some plain paper, compost and your seeds. Newspaper, scrap paper and printer paper all work. Avoid glossy paper, such as magazine pages. A tray to stand the finished pots in keeps them upright and tidy on a windowsill.
How to make a paper pot
- Cut or tear your paper to size. One sheet of A4 makes two pots.
- Roll the paper around the pot maker.
- Fold the bottom of the paper over to make the base of the pot.
- Press the base firmly so it holds together, then slide the pot off the tool.
- Stand the pot in a tray, fill it with compost and sow your seeds.
The pots are 4cm across, and you choose how tall to make them, anywhere from 5cm to 7cm. That’s a good size for seeds, cuttings and plug plants.
How long do paper pots last?
Paper pots start to break down after about two weeks. That’s enough time for most seeds to sprout, but how quickly they go depends on how wet they get and how close together they are standing. Wetter pots, and pots packed tightly together, break down sooner, so water gently and give them a little space.
If your seedlings need longer than a couple of weeks before they can go outside, pot them on into something sturdier, such as biodegradable coir plant pots. They last longer and can still be planted straight into the ground.
Planting out
When the seedlings are ready, plant the whole pot into the soil. The paper breaks down as the plant grows, and nothing is left behind to throw away.
Ready to make your own? Our Classic Paper Pot Maker is made of birch wood, comes with full instructions and is plastic free.