cardboard tube plant pots with leaves sprouting and a spade to the right

Using Cardboard Tubes To Make Cardboard Plant Pots

There are many uses for cardboard tubes from packaging to being used in manufacturing or even in the entertainment industry as props, but did you know you can also reuse them to make cardboard plant pots. This is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic / ceramic pots. 

As spring is vastly approaching, gardening enthusiasts will begin to start sowing their seeds. Even if the frost hasn’t disappeared, you can plant the seedlings inside and then transfer them when you’re ready. The cardboard pot plants will decompose and enrich the soil too! 

Now onto how you can create your cardboard seed starter pots. 

What you will need: 

  • Cardboard tubes 
  • Scissors 
  • Soil 
  • Seeds 
  • A tray to hold the pots

How to make the seed starters: 

1. Begin by cutting a few diagonal cuts about ⅓ of the way up the tube

2. Fold the edges to create a ‘bottom’ for the pot. 

3. Place the tube in a tray 

4. Fill with soil 

5. Add seeds to the top 

6. Cover again with another layer of soil 

7. Water and care for your plants 

8. Watch your plants grow 

When you are ready to move the seedlings outside, you will need to allow them to adjust to the outdoors. You should do this by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. Ideally you will want to start by placing them in a shady spot for a few hours each day and gradually increase this over a week or 2. Then you can plant the DIY seed starter cardboard plant into soil and the cardboard will decompose over time. 

Benefits of using cardboard tubes as seed starters 

Eco friendly: 

Cardboard is a natural material that is biodegradable, meaning they will compost once you plant outside. This reduces waste, as well as helping to nourish your garden 

Warm and insulating: 

Cardboard tubes can provide insulation for your seedlings. It will act as a protective layer around the plant. This can protect the seedlings from temperature fluctuations, wind and other stressors that can affect young seeds. 

Good drainage: 

These tubes can allow water to drain easily from the soil whilst also retaining moisture, and allowing them to germinate 

Easier to transport: 

As mentioned, cardboard boxes are biodegradable and you can plant outside while the seeds are still in the tube, this will reduce transplant shock and minimise damage to roots while promoting healthy growth. 

Pest prevention: 

As cardboard acts as a layer of protection, this will prevent pests and worms damaging the stems of seedlings. 

Plant air circulation: 

Cardboard tubes allow good air circulation around the roots of the plants. 

In Conclusion

To conclude, creating DIY cardboard plant pots from cardboard tubes is a great way to reduce waste, and is an eco-friendly alternative. Aswell as providing a good insulation and drainage system for your seeds, the cardboard also acts as a protective layer and healthier growth is promoted. Follow these above steps mentioned and create your own cardboard plant pots now! 

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