How to Make Disposable Plant Pots

Disposable plant pots are an excellent option for starting seeds and cuttings. They are made from biodegradable materials such as recycled paper, fabric, or coconut husks, meaning they break down quickly and harmlessly once they are no longer needed. In this article, we will show you how to make disposable plant pots from recycled paper in just a few simple steps.

Materials Needed

To make disposable plant pots, you will need:

Recycled paper such as newspaper or junk mail

A can or glass of a suitable size to use as a mold

A pair of scissors

A ruler or measuring tape

A pen or pencil

A bowl of water

Instructions

1. Cut the paper to size: Cut a piece of recycled paper to a size that is twice the height of your mold and five times the width. For example, if you are using a can with a height of 4 inches and a circumference of 8 inches, you will need to cut a rectangular piece of paper that measures 8 inches in height and 40 inches in width.

2. Fold the paper in half: Fold the rectangular piece of paper in half lengthwise, creating a crease down the center of the paper.

3. Create the bottom of the pot: Take your can or glass and place it on top of one end of the folded paper. Use a pen or pencil to trace around the bottom of the can, creating a circle on the paper. Cut out the circle using scissors.

4. Create the sides of the pot: Take the cut-out circle and place it aside. Now take the remaining rectangular piece of paper and fold it in half again, this time in the opposite direction. You should have a long, narrow piece of paper with two creases in the center. Take the can or glass and place it on one end of the paper, with the bottom edge of the can lined up with the top edge of the paper. Roll the can or glass away from you, wrapping the paper around it until you have created a complete cylinder. Use scissors to trim any excess paper from the top and bottom edges of the cylinder, leaving a small overhang of approximately 0.5 to 1 inch.

5. Attach the bottom of the pot: Take the cut-out circle from step 3 and place it inside the cylinder at one end. Fold the overhang of paper down over the circle and press firmly to attach it to the side of the cylinder. Repeat this process for the other end of the cylinder, attaching the other cut-out circle to the paper to create a closed bottom for the pot.

6. Wet the paper: Fill a bowl with water and dip the finished pot into the water, making sure to wet the entire surface of the paper. Allow the pot to sit in the water for a few minutes to ensure that it is completely soaked.

7. Fill the pot: Remove the pot from the bowl of water and allow any excess water to drain away. Fill the pot with seed starting mix or soil, and plant your seeds or cuttings as desired.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making disposable plant pots from recycled paper is an easy and eco-friendly way to start your seeds and cuttings. With just a few simple steps, you can create pots that are both biodegradable and cost-effective. Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your garden.