How to Make Biodegradable Pots for Plants

Planting in biodegradable pots is an excellent way to reduce the impact on the environment as they decompose naturally without causing pollution. Biodegradable pots are particularly suitable for use in gardens, nurseries, and homes for growing plants. In this article, we will show you how to make biodegradable pots for plants.

Materials Needed

Newspapers

Scissors

Glue

Bowl

Sphere-former or cylindrical object

Water

Step 1: Gather Newspapers

Collect newspapers to make the biodegradable pots. Old papers that are no longer useful will work perfectly. Alternatively, you can buy recycled paper products from local craft or stationery shops.

Step 2: Cut the Newspaper into Strips

Use scissors to cut the newspapers into strips. The width should be approximately 5-7cm wide. They do not have to be perfect, but try to keep them even in thickness to ensure the pot is sturdy.

Step 3: Make the Sphere or Cylinder-former

Depending on the shape of the pot you want to make, you can use a spherical or cylindrical object. You can use a glass or a cup for a small pot or a bowl for larger ones. The diameter of the sphere or the width of the cylindrical object should be the desired width of the pot.

Step 4: Apply Glue to the End of the Strip

With a brush or your fingers, apply water-soluble glue to one end of the newspaper strip. Ensure that you cover the whole end, making it stick to the rest of the newspaper easily.

Step 5: Place the Strip on the Sphere-former

Place the glued end of the newspaper strip at the top of the sphere-former or the cylindrical object, aligning the edge of the paper strip to the edge of the sphere-former. Ensure that the paper strip is flat and that there are no wrinkles. Smooth out any wrinkles as you go along.

Step 6: Wrap the Strip around the Sphere or Cylinder

Wrap the glued end of the newspaper strip around the sphere-former or cylindrical object while ensuring that it is flat without wrinkles. The strip should be long enough to wrap around the sphere or the cylinder and leave approximately 1cm overlap of paper at the end of the strip.

Step 7: Apply Glue to the Overlapping End of the Strip

Apply glue onto the 1cm overlap at the end of the strip. Carefully press it onto the rest of the newspaper, ensuring that the overlap stays in place.

Step 8: Remove the Sphere or Cylinder-former

Carefully remove the sphere-former or cylindrical object from the biodegradable pot you created. If it does not come off quickly, leave it for a few minutes to dry before trying again. Remember to discard the former in a recycling bin

Step 9: Water the Pot to Keep It Moist

Spray the pot with water to keep the material moist while you plant your plants or seeds. When the time comes to plant the pot, it can be planted directly into the soil or a larger pot. The paper will break down naturally over time, adding nutrients to the soil.

Conclusion

Making biodegradable pots for plants is a fun activity that benefits both the environment and the plants you’re growing. By reducing our plastic consumption and directing waste away from landfills, we are doing our part to preserve our planet. Follow the steps above to create your biodegradable plant pots with simple household items.