Oh, how the time flies! If you are a home gardner (or aspiring to be), it is time to start your seeds indoors for many plants. Starting seeds is a great gardening activity that is easy and fun for kids of all ages. This activity involves using old newspaper to make sturdy little starting pots that can be transplanted directly into the ground when the time is right. Newspaper pots are very easy to make and a great way to recycle the old newspapers that might be sitting around. All you need are two things: Old newspaper and a long glass drinking cup (or empty/clean bottle). Then of course you will need to add some high quality potting soil or seed starter mix and your seeds once your pot is made.
Steps:
1. Begin by laying a piece of black and white newspaper flat. Make sure to not use shiny or colorful paper like magazines, as they can contain heavy metals. Newspaper is usually made with safe, soy-based ink.
2. Fold the newspaper twice lengthwise to form a narrow strip.
3. Lay the glass on its side and begin to roll the newspaper tightly around the glass. Make sure about half of the paper overlaps the glass.
4. Push the ends of the newspaper into the open end of the glass.
5. Then pull out the glass to reveal the shape of your pot.
6. Push the bottom of the cup into your pot, flattening out and creating the closed bottom portion.
7. Pull out the jar for the last time! Fill the pot with soil, plant your seeds according to the seed packet directions, and water so your seeds will germinate.
It is a good idea to place all of the starter pots you make on a plastic tray, so that water won’t seep everywhere.
Have fun! And go here for a video how-to 🙂