homegrownfoodchallenge:

5 fun DIY seed starters

unconsumption:

5 biodegradable seed-starting planter-pots to DIY

Like many of us, the gardening plans of Michele Pacey (mentioned previously here and here) include growing plants from seed.

In a recent blog post, Michele describes her seed-starting setup: seeds planted in biodegradable newspaper “pots,” which are placed indoors on foam meat trays while the seeds germinate.  

After seedlings have sprouted, the plants — pots and all — can be planted in soil.

To make your own biodegradable seed-starters:

• Roll newspaper pieces around a jar and close the ends, as Michele shows in this short video, or roll pieces of newspaper around something like this.
• Fold newspaper pages, origami-like, into pots. For folding tutorial, see the For Greenies blog.

• Cut pieces of paper towel or toilet paper tubes, adding four slits on one end, then fold end pieces together to form a closed bottom. (Photo via girlgearstudio.) Ends also could be left open, as pictured in this earlier Unconsumption post.

• Use eggshells, as mentioned here (with description for blowing out eggs).

 

• Use citrus peels. (Found here.)

Another idea: Create mini-greenhouses from cut plastic bottles. Simply place bottle tops over plants. (Found on Poppytalk.)

What household waste do you use for starting seeds?

(via impulsivefarmer)