Newspaper pots

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Ten-four TLC, you got it! ô¿ô

Here is a picture of mine:

I actually adapted Poppysue's idea of using Coke bottles - and use larger water bottles.

Here are a couple trays as well . . .

Uh... has anyone ever tried the obvious, price-free alternative?

Just get a moist handful of compost, and wrap around it some kitchen paper, so there's a gap in the top. Squeeze tight. Plonk in your seed. Put in a tray. Keep moist eg. spray.

This has its own built-in moisure indicator. When the paper turns white, 'tis time to water it.

Simple.

And you don't need a 'pot maker' nor even a bottle.

I grew around 1000 transplants that way last year, tomatoes and beans. (Doesn't work so well for tiny seeds.)

John,
kitchen paper ? parchment paper?
What is kitchen paper. . . waxed paper? . . white butcher paper?

Thanks,
TLC

This message was edited Friday, Feb 7th 8:05 PM

how about recycling also the paper coffee filter?

Sorry, 'kitchen paper' in these parts is a roll of absorbent white tough paper, a bit like soft toilet paper but more resilient. It soaks up kitchen spills. It's no use as a capillary mat because it rots in water in eight days.

But it's fine as a holder for compost. Because, once the roots are developing well, it doesn't matter if the kitchen paper by then is losing its shape. Just dunk the lot in the garden!

It's the same principle as a peat pot - but more environmentally responsible.

Ok, John,
I understand- paper towels
Will try that!

Thanks,
TLC

Yes, John..
The kitchen paper(paper towels here), works great and is also super cheap..Works very well for me.
larkie

I am glad I found this thread. I am wondering ... is there a way to bottom water 'paper pots' ... I have tried it, but I am not sure if it actaully works.

Use old newspapers to make your starter pots
(by Darlene Polachic)


Why spend money buying plant starter packs when you can make all you need from old newspapers? The added benefit of these newspaper pots is that they can be set right into the ground where the paper will eventually decompose and, in the process, the seedling’s delicate root system won’t be disturbed by transplanting. Paper pots can be placed side-by-side in a cardboard box tray with the sides cut down to about three inches. Amazingly, the newspaper boxes will hold water and remain intact when wet.

Materials Needed:

Double sheets of 17” x 48” (when spread out) newsprint. Use smaller sized publications; most daily newspapers are too big in size to make a nice compact pot). Choose pages without color since the ink may be harmful to both the plant and the soil.

Stapler

Method: (See Figures 1 - 10 at end of article)

Step 1: Begin with a double sheet of newspaper. Fold in half, making a sharp crease line. (Figure 1)

Step 2: Aligning bottom and top edges, fold in half again. (Figure 2)

Step 3: Bring left side edge to top edge in a diagonal fold. There will be a selvage edge left at right. (Figure 3)

Step 4: Fold selvage edge to back. (Figure 4)

Step 5: Bring right side edge to top edge in a diagonal crease. (Figure 5)

Step 6: Flip over with selvage edge to front. Fold sides forward lengthwise in equal thirds. (Figure 6)

Step 7: Open out and fold bottom and top forward in equal thirds. (Figure 7)

Step 8: Open out (Figure 8) and pleat bottom left corner (1) inward along diagonal crease line and fold behind front center panel A. Repeat with bottom right corner (2). Staple through all thicknesses at center of A. (Figure 9)

Step 9: Repeat step 8 with top corners and staple to complete pot. (Figure 10)

Step 10: Fill with soil and plant.


This message was edited Apr 9, 2004 6:12 AM

I am confused ... what was that about CoCo? I have my own pot maker ... it didn't come with a lot of instructions. Just wondering how to bottom water newspaper pot?

Hmmmm ... Odori, maybe you can put them in an old 9"x12" cake pan and just add a little water at a time? Or a nursery flat lined with plastic? I sure don't know besides that.

Sorry, just had to drag this thread out of the closet.

For years, I've wanted one of those nifty pot maker things
made of wood, but have always been too cheap to buy one.

Lo and behold, but should I find one in the box at a yard
sale a few days ago for a quarter!

Whoo hooo! Doing a happy dance!

Karen Marie

I love my paper pot maker for plants with tender roots. Since our season is short, I start nasturtium & peas in the paper pots. When I plant them I simply unwrap and let the bottom fall out. The roots are not disturbed.