Quick seed starting pots!

Here is a great little project to make homemade (free!) pots for starting seeds in! (I can't take credit for this idea, it was originally in an issue of Mother Earth News, I am afraid I can't remember what issue). Save your empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls, they are definately good for something other than making silly kalidescopes!

Press the empty roll flat, and cut in half (in fourths for a paper towel roll). On the bottom edge, cut four 5/8" slits equally spaced around the tube (if pressed flat, cut through two layers right in the middle, then fold it so those slits are on the folded edges, and cut through again in the middle)

Fold the four flaps shut like you would a packing box, tucking the last one under the first one (so it stays shut on it's own, without the need of tape. Tape would hamper its drainage)

Fill with good soil and plant seeds in them! The great thing about them is when it comes time to transplant into larger pots or into garden beds, just unfold the bottom flaps and plant the whole thing (cardboard and all!) right into the ground. The cardboard will degrade, and before it does it helps retain moisture around the tender new roots! (However if it looks like the seedling is rootbound, just tear the cardboard away, it should be very soft from all the watering of the seeds you've done!) (by the way, to water them gently, we recommend a spray bottle) Here are some of our seedlings, the sugar snap peas are just about outgrowing their pots!