How to Make Seed Starting Trays from Recycled Paper or Cardboard

Starting seeds at home is a rewarding way to kickstart your garden while saving money. By creating your own seed starting trays from recycled paper or cardboard, you’re not only being kind to your wallet but also to the environment. This guide will walk you through several easy methods to transform everyday household items into perfect homes for your seedlings, especially beneficial for those gardening in small spaces or dry climates.

Benefits of DIY Seed Starting Trays

Before diving into the how-to, let’s explore why making your own seed starting trays is worth the effort:

Materials and Tools You’ll Need

Basic Supplies

• Recycled paper (newspaper, printer paper, paper bags)
• Cardboard (toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, cereal boxes)
• Water
• Seed starting mix (not garden soil)
• Seeds of your choice
• Waterproof container or tray to hold your seed pots

Optional Tools

• Blender (for paper pulp method)
• Scissors or craft knife
• Small hand trowel
• Spray bottle for watering
• Small jar or can (for shaping newspaper pots)
• Wooden pot maker (if you plan to make many newspaper pots)

Choosing the Right Recycled Materials

Not all paper and cardboard are created equal when it comes to seed starting. Here are some guidelines:

Method 1: Newspaper Seed Starting Pots

Newspaper pots are among the most popular DIY seed starters because they’re easy to make and can be planted directly in the ground.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut newspaper into strips about 5-6 inches wide and 10-12 inches long.
2. Wrap the strip around a small jar or can, leaving about 2 inches extending beyond the bottom.
3. Fold the excess paper at the bottom inward, creating the base of your pot.
4. Slide the pot off the jar or can, maintaining its shape.
5. Fill with seed starting mix, plant your seeds, and water gently.

Pro Tip: Place your newspaper pots in a waterproof tray or container to keep them stable and catch excess water. For vertical gardening setups, these pots can be arranged in tiered shelving to maximize space.

Method 2: Toilet Paper Roll Seed Starters

Toilet paper rolls make excellent biodegradable seed starters, especially for plants that benefit from deeper root runs like beans and peas.

How to Make Them

1. Collect empty toilet paper rolls.
2. Cut four 1/2-inch slits at one end, equally spaced around the roll.
3. Fold these flaps inward like closing a box to create the bottom.
4. Stand the rolls upright in a waterproof container.
5. Fill with seed starting mix and plant your seeds.

These cardboard tubes are particularly useful for plants that don’t like their roots disturbed during transplanting. The cardboard breaks down naturally in the soil, allowing roots to expand outward.

Method 3: Egg Carton Seed Starters

Paper egg cartons provide ready-made compartments perfect for starting small seeds.

Instructions

1. Take a paper egg carton (not foam or plastic).
2. Score the bottom of each cell with a knife to create drainage.
3. Fill each compartment with seed starting mix.
4. Plant 1-2 seeds in each cell, following proper depth guidelines.
5. Mist gently with water to avoid displacing seeds.
6. Place in a warm location with adequate light.

When it’s time to plant, you can either separate the individual cells and plant them directly in the garden, or gently remove the seedlings for transplanting. The paper carton will decompose in the soil over time.

Method 4: Paper Pulp Seed Starting Trays

This method allows you to create custom-sized seed starting containers from recycled paper pulp.

Materials Needed

• Shredded paper (newspaper, office paper, paper bags)
• Water
• Blender
• Molds (muffin tins, small bowls, etc.)
• Optional: small amount of flour as a binder

Step-by-Step Process

1. Tear or shred paper into small pieces.
2. Soak paper in warm water for several hours or overnight.
3. Blend the soaked paper into a pulp (similar to thick oatmeal consistency).
4. Optional: Add 1 tablespoon of flour per cup of pulp as a binder.
5. Press the pulp into your chosen molds, creating a wall thickness of about 1/4 inch.
6. Allow to dry completely in a warm location (1-3 days depending on climate).
7. Once dry, carefully remove from molds.
8. Fill with seed starting mix and plant your seeds.

These custom paper pulp containers are fully biodegradable and can be planted directly in the garden. They’re especially useful for creating trays that fit perfectly in your vertical gardening setup.

Other Creative Recycled Seed Starting Options

Yogurt Containers

Clean yogurt cups make excellent reusable seed starters. Simply punch drainage holes in the bottom using a heated nail. These sturdy containers can be used year after year.

Cardboard Box Trays

Shallow cardboard boxes can be transformed into seed starting trays by adding cardboard dividers to create individual cells. Line with newspaper to prevent leaking.

Paper Cups

Paper coffee cups or dixie cups work well for starting larger seeds. Punch drainage holes in the bottom and plant directly in the garden when ready.

Planting and Care Tips for DIY Seed Trays

Proper Drainage

All seed starting containers need drainage holes in the bottom to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to damping off disease. For paper-based containers, small holes or slits work well. For cardboard, you can poke holes with a pencil or skewer.

The Right Growing Medium

Use a lightweight seed starting mix rather than garden soil. Seed starting mix is sterile, drains well, and provides the right environment for germination. For even better results in dry climates, mix in a small amount of vermiculite to help retain moisture.

Watering Techniques

Bottom watering is ideal for most DIY seed starters. Place your containers in a shallow tray with water and let them absorb moisture from below. This prevents disturbing delicate seeds and seedlings. For paper-based containers that might get too soggy with bottom watering, use a spray bottle for gentle top watering.

Using DIY Seed Trays in Vertical Gardens

DIY seed starting trays are particularly valuable for vertical gardening enthusiasts with limited space.

Space-Maximizing Strategies

• Use shallow trays on narrow shelves or windowsills
• Create tiered setups with recycled containers of different heights
• Hang lightweight paper pot seedlings in vertical arrangements
• Use wall pockets made from recycled materials to hold seed starting containers

Water-Smart Vertical Gardening

In dry climates, vertical gardening with DIY seed trays requires careful water management:

• Group plants with similar water needs together
• Use saucers under containers to catch excess water
• Consider adding a small amount of water-retaining polymer to your seed starting mix
• Place more drought-tolerant seedlings at the top of your vertical setup (where it’s typically drier)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Conclusion: Sustainable Seed Starting for Every Garden

Creating your own seed starting trays from recycled paper or cardboard is a rewarding way to begin your gardening journey while reducing waste and saving money. These DIY solutions are particularly valuable for vertical gardening enthusiasts and those in dry climates, where space and water conservation are priorities.

By repurposing materials you already have at home, you’re not only giving new life to items that might otherwise end up in landfills but also creating the perfect environment for your seedlings to thrive. Whether you choose newspaper pots, toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, or paper pulp trays, these biodegradable options offer advantages that even store-bought plastic containers can’t match.

Remember that successful seed starting is about experimentation. Try different methods to discover what works best for your specific plants, space constraints, and climate conditions. With a little creativity and the techniques shared in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving, sustainable garden.