Make recycled seedling pots

Make your own eco-friendly paper plant pots to sow seeds in ready for the summer.

Image shows 4 newspaper seedling pots, the left 2 are filled with soil and the bottom left also has a seedling in it.

The newspaper pots are biodegradable so when the plants are ready to go outdoors, the pot can be planted into the soil.

 This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities and can be enjoyed by anyone.

 Why does this make a difference?

This is a creative activity that helps people explore and expand their creative choices while supporting independence in the activity.

How to do this activity

Image shows a tabletop with a can, scissors and compostable tape

What you’ll need

  • Newspaper
  • Scissors
  • Glass jars or can (you can use different sizes of jars to make larger or smaller pots)
  • Compostable tape (optional- must be compostable otherwise the seedling pot won’t break down and let the roots grow through)

Safety note: If using a can, make sure there are no sharp edges by covering edges with tape. We used an unopened can of soup, so there were no sharp edges.

Image shows a hand cutting strips of newspaper

Step 1

Cut several strips of newspaper lengthways with a height of 10-15 cm.
Image shows a strip of newspaper, with a can placed on the right side of it, the can pokes out above the newspaper by 3cm

Step 2

Lay three sheets of paper on top of each other and lay the jar or can on top leaving 3cm of the paper hanging off the end of the can or jar.
Image shows the can rolled up in the newspaper

Step 3

Roll the can up inside the newspaper until it’s loosely wrapped all the way around.
Image shows hands folding the ends of the newspaper down over the bottom of the can.

Step 4

Fold the edges of the newspaper down over the can to form the base of the pot.
Image shows hand applying a small bit of brown paper tape

Step 5

Apply a piece of compostable tape to the bottom.
Image shows can upside down and hand putting pressure on the pot

Step 6

Flip over the can so that the folded edges are on the bottom and press the can down so that the bottom of the pot is sealed. If you are struggling with this you can use compostable tape on the bottom.
Image shows 4 newspaper seedling pots, the left 2 are filled with soil and the bottom left also has a seedling in it.

Step 7

Gently remove the can and your pot can now be filled with soil to plant your seeds.

Top tips

  • Any compostable paper can be used to make these, not just newspapers.
  • Try brown paper bags, brown packing paper or whatever else you can find.