How to Make Newspaper Pots for Starting Seeds

Ready to start seeds indoors to get a jump start on the spring gardening season? Root through the recycling bin, then use the pattern below and follow a few simple steps to make newspaper pots for growing seedlings.

Psst—shopping for seeds? Check out our favorite seed catalogs and the best places to buy plants and seeds online.

How to Make Newspaper Pots

1. The first step to making a newspaper pot is to cut four layers of newspaper into a 7-inch square.
2. Fold in thirds, then turn and fold again to make a nine-square fold.
3. Angle-fold each corner on one side and staple it. Repeat the process on the opposite side.
4. When seedlings are ready to transplant, slice a few holes in the paper and plant the entire cup. This won’t disturb the roots, and the pots will break down.

If you don’t have newspapers, you can also start seeds in paper coffee cups or cardboard toilet paper tubes.