Newspaper Pots!

I recently “potted up” all my seedlings, and this year I tried something new – newspaper pots!

The little wood tool I used to form the pots is available at many garden centers, and it’s also available at Amazon and Gardener’s Supply.

After a little experimenting, I discovered it’s best to cut the newspaper just a tiny bit (half an inch) wider than what is indicated on the directions. This way, I could fold down the newspaper about a half an inch at the top to help reinforce the pot.

As I wrapped the newspaper around the form, I tucked the one end of the pot top into the fold on the other end so it fit nice and snug.

Next, I folded in the newspaper on the bottom. I found the more little folds I made as I worked my way around, the better. If I just did three or four folds, it flopped open really easily.

Lastly, I fit my pot into the base of the mold. This helps shape those folds so they stay put.

And that’s it! I churned out about 20 of these bad boys and put them to good use with my seedlings last weekend. So far, they are holding up well. They seem to retain just enough moisture to keep my “sproutlings” (as my son calls them) happy, without the container breaking down, yet. The plan is to pop these guys right into the next container, be it another pot, or the garden itself, where this container will eventually break down.

Here’s one of my Cherry Lizzanos one week after potting up.

What’s your favorite seedling container?