When it comes to the summer season, I’m all about planting and gardening. In fact, I start all of my gardening endeavors by late spring. This way, I can the enjoy the season to its fullest!

There are tons of ways to start seeds, but a seed starter system ensures beautiful, consistent results. I’m eager to show you how I made my own DIY Seed Starter – it’s really easy to put together!

My DIY Seed Starter uses simple materials including a lettuce container, paper rolls and popsicle sticks. Your little ones can even help make it. It’s a great activity to introduce gardening to your kiddos – they’ll absolutely love it!

Tools and Materials Needed:

• Clear plastic spinach/lettuce container
• Potting Soil
• 18 paper rolls
• Colored popsicle sticks
• Mini shovel/spoon
• Scissors
• Marker (ie.: black Sharpie)

Instructions:

At the bottom of each roll, cut two ¾ inch slits across from each other. Then, cut one slit in the center of each of the halves you created. Basically, you’re dividing the bottom of each roll into four equal parts.

Fold these equal parts (ie.: 4 flaps) as you fold the flaps of a moving/cardboard box.

Next, fill each paper roll with potting soil. Carefully place and line them up in your plastic container.

Cut each popsicle stick in half.

Using your marker, write the name of each plant on its own popsicle stick.

Put your seeds in each paper roll section – be sure to only add one plant per roll. Add water.

Insert the labeled popsicle sticks in their designated areas.

Place your DIY seed starter near a light source. This will allow it to grow until your garden is ready to receive the plants. If you’d like to create more condensation, you can close the container’s lid.

Once the seedlings are ready for your larger, outdoor garden, all you have to do is remove the paper roll from the container and unfold the bottom. Then, you plant the whole thing into the ground. The cardboard will decompose into the soil.

Notes:

• Be sure to water your seed starter regularly.
• You can stabilize the paper rolls while they’re still in the container by using brown scrap packing paper. You can also use newspaper or any type of recycled paper.