Toilet paper rolls can have all sorts of uses, but ever since this time last year, we've been saving them to start seedlings. It's easier than you think and makes the transition to your garden a smooth one!
This idea isn't a new one, but it never hurts to refresh our memories after a long winter. The idea is simple: just cut a few slits in the bottom of the tube and fold them over to create a little pod for your new seeds to grow.
A few weeks after things germinate, it will be time to plant them in larger pots or outside if weather and temperatures permit. The best part? The entire tube can be planted! It'll decompose in the soil. It's a great way to get your garden started inside and save at the nursery on buying larger plants! You Grow Girl has more details on this simple project.
(Image: You Grow Girl)
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Lasagna mulching uses cardboard to keep weeds from coming up...why wouldn't this stifle the roots?
This is a great seed starting tip that I've been using for a few years (after seeing You Grow Girl tweet it), however, myrnie is right. In my experience, the cardboard tube tends to stifle the roots on all but the most aggressive seedlings (think pumpkins). I still use the tube, but I snip the cardboard before putting the seedling into the ground.
I like this idea, but I don't see how I could possibly go through enough toilet paper in order to have enough to make planters each year. Maybe I should stop buying the jumbo rolls I guess.
I just planted my beet plants in toliet paper rolls and no I'm worried that it isn't going to decompose!
Sillysimple- you would be suprised how quickly those tp rolls stock up once you start saving them. I had my good friends save theirs as well and I have a ton.
this is a decent idea for seed starting, but you should definitely very gently peel away the cardboard before you transplant them if you want to see good root development.