I asked Luke, a ceiling repair expert from Hi-Spec and also a handyman, about any DIY tricks which can help me around the house. Took him a while to get back to me, but finally, I have received some answers. Nothing that I have expected as he focused on gardening rather than household items, however. Here it goes:
Upcycling stagnant materials are one way to save money and reduce waste. There are many ways to alter the use of a certain object and make the most out of it. Getting a jumpstart on cultivating houseplants during the growing season is ideal. Preparing your growing materials such as pot is important to save you time and money.
Seeds are typically not high-maintenance as long as they are provided with enough water, sunlight and moisture. There are several containers that can be easily purchased designed specifically for growing seeds but every grower has an option of saving a little cash by creating their own grow pots without spending a dime. If you are a beginner, you can start with seeds that are easily germinated.
Newspapers, paper towel rolls, shredded papers, and small cardboard boxes are biodegradable materials that can be easily turned into biodegradable grow boxes. Here is a step-by-step method on how to turn these materials into an environmentally friendly pot.
Newspaper Pots
Supplies Needed
- Newspaper
- Scissors
- Small glass jar
- Shallow pan with water
- Seed starter potting mix
- Seeds
Step 1: Cut Newspaper into rectangular shapes according to the size of your jar and it should be enough to wrap around and leave extra to overlap.
Step 2: Soak the rectangles in a shallow pan until it is moist.
Step 3: Roll the paper around the jar then cover it all the way to the bottom to cover the pot’s bottom. Press and crimp paper on a flat surface and leave to dry.
Step 4: When it’s dry, fill the pots with seed starter mix. Then mildly pat the soil down and create a shallow hole to put the seed in. after, cover it with soil and spray the soil with enough just enough to moisten the soil.
Upcycled Box Seed
Supplies Needed
- Small paper box (tea boxes or cereal boxes)
- Scissors
- Seed starter potting mix
- Seeds
Step 1: Form a shallow tray out of the box.
Step 2: Use excess pieces to create dividers.
Step 3: Fill each division with seed starter mix then pat the soil down to slightly solidify. Then create a shallow hole then place the seed inside. Cover it with soil and spray a small amount of water until moistened.
Paper Towel Tube Pots
Supplies Needed
- Paper towel tubes
- Scissors
- Seed starter potting mix
- Seeds
Step 1: Cut the tubes into a three-inch size. Then each end of each section, a four cut will be placed evenly at approximately ¾ inch to form flaps to serve as the bottom of the pot.
Step 2: Carefully fold the flaps. Gaps in between will serve as drainage.
Step 3: Fill each division with seed starter mix then pat the soil down to slightly solidify. Then create a shallow hole then place the seed inside. Cover it with soil and spray a small amount of water until moistened.
