Here’s a way to start your garden seeds inside without having a big expense involved. Here in Michigan I have to start my seeds inside or they won’t have enough growing time.
I buy my organic, heirloom seeds online when they run a special and have everything ready to plant about 6 weeks before our last frost. Since I want my money to go toward seeds instead of peat pots and other things. I make my own on the cheap.
Here’s how….
Save all your t.p., and paper-towel rolls.
1. Cut t.p. rolls in half making 2, and you will get 5 sections out of a paper-towel roll.
2. Cut an “X” in the bottom about 1″ up.
3. Fold flaps in like you would to secure a box top from opening.
4. Turn over and fill with seed starter and seeds of your choice.
(I have tried using potting soil, but it is just to heavy for the tiny seedling, you will get better results by using a seed starting mix.)
Water and watch them grow. (I use a spray bottle to water, the mist is just right and doesn’t damage the fragile seedling). So far the tomato plants are sprouting and I also have watermelon seeds planted. Can’t wait to get planting!!
This is very clever. I love it and will try it.
Hugs,
Valerie
Cottage Making Mommy
http://www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com
Thanking for sharing. Great recycling idea and will make a fun project with grandkids.
Love your pots-what a clever idea! Thank you for sharing!
What an ingenious idea! Thanks for the idea.
Judy
This is so clever. Wow what a great idea.
Kris
how fabulous is this!!!
thanks for sharing!!!
hugs
Oh my goodness, what a fabulous idea! Wishing I’d saved all the tp rolls but will in the future. I’ve been using milk cartons but will have to disturb the seedlings in order to plant them. I also have a big collection of small plastic pots that have to be sterilized each year and again the seedling are disturbed when transplanting. Thank you so much for this idea!
http://northislandcottage.blogspot.com/
WOW! I so needed to learn this, thank you so much!! Is it too late to start planting anything? I live in Central VA and our last frost might be late April to early May, am I too late?
Great idea 🙂
After getting dumped on with yet more snow over night I don’t know if we are ever going to get spring. I suppose just in case I could start my seeds in bigger pots in case I have to grow them in my house all summer!
Bliss
Just like you, I can’t wait to plant outside, meanwhile my kitchen window sill is used as a nursery for my seeds… And guess who’s going to save all her TP rolls from now on???
Great tip Dawn! I’m gonna Pin this to my garden board. Thanks!!!
Have a super weekend.
xoxo,
Kim
What a great idea! You never cease to amaze me. :o) It’s so nice to have just a touch of spring and summer in the house right now. Have a good weekend!
Another way to recycle paper towel rolls!
I wouldn’t have thought of this-love it.
HA ! Now that’s clever! 🙂
Do you put the cardboard right into the ground after seeds have sprouted? or remove seedlings from the tp roll?