DIY: Recycled Newspaper Sprouting Pots

August 09, 2018

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Photo by Amy Treasure on Unsplash Shortly after Easter this year I got a very bad concussion that left me on full bed rest for three weeks and semi bed rest for another 3 weeks. For the first three weeks after the diagnosis I was not allowed to use a computer or a phone. I could not even watch TV. I was only allowed to sleep or take a walk if I felt good. The first couple of weeks were hard. The following weeks were better as I learned how to pace myself. I realized that my body was quite adept at letting me know when it had had enough. And so I listened to me and surprisingly, I learned a lot about myself. For the first time in my life I was able to rest without guilt and it was wonderful. I unplugged and reconnected with nature and it made me incredibly happy. This enabled me to see ME for the first time in what seemed like forever and I started to understand what was missing in my life, what I needed and what I no longer needed. For a very long time I have...

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There are a lot of ways that you can make your own newspaper sprouting pots but this is what I deem to be the easiest and cheapest. Yes, you can buy a fancy newspaper pot maker here but why spend money when you don't have to. All you need is a can, or a variety of cans depending on the sizes you want, some newspaper and some tape. Pretty easy no?

These instructions are for a can of tomato paste.

Instructions (photos follow text):

First get your newspaper out and fold one single sheet into three.
Next get your can of tomato paste.
Place can on newspaper with about 1/4 of can above the edge of the newspaper.
Wrap the newspaper around the can leaving it loose enough for easy removal and secure with tape along the edge.
Flip can over and fold down each side to touch the bottom of the can and then tape closed.
Remove newspaper from can.
Place newspaper pots in a tray - anything that will hold them upright will do.
Fill with potting soil and plant seeds.
Keep seedlings moist (not too wet) until you are ready to plant them, newspaper pot and all (the newspaper will decompose naturally in the soil).