Stopping and scanning rows of packets containing seeds for herbs, vegies and annual flowers is the start of an exciting gardening adventure. And it need not cost you a bundle.
Watch: How to master the thrill, fill and spill planting method
The more mature a plant is, the more expensive it is, and there’s nothing cheaper than a packet of seeds.
Sow a few now and you’ll have a bounty in a couple of months. You can even do it with clever pots you can make yourself from things lying around your home that you’d normally toss out.
Easy steps to make a pot out of newspaper
Seeds germinate and seedlings thrive when they’re given soft light, warmth and humidity. Here’s how to grow a bunch in old newspapers.
For you to note:
Vermiculite is useful for seed sowing/propagation. It helps aerate soil while retaining nutrients and water. It comes in different grades – pick the finest for seed sowing and the larger sizes for potting on, cuttings and house plants.
Gather your supplies
- Seed-raising mix
- Packets of seeds
- Vermiculite
- Propagation heat pad
- Grow lamp
You’ll also need
- Old newspapers
- Scissors
- Tall, slender drinking glass
- Large pan
- Watertight baking tray
- Old, clean ice-cream sticks
- Pen
- Plastic wrap
Here’s how
STEP 1
Fold and cut sheets of newspaper big enough to wrap around glass a few times. Soak in pan of water. Roll softened paper around glass, leaving about 5cm excess at the bottom.
STEP 2
Crimp and press paper around bottom of glass, then turn over and press on a flat surface to flatten. Slide paper pots carefully off glass. Repeat to make more pots. Let dry overnight.
STEP 3
Stand pots in tray and fill with seed-raising mix. Plant seeds as per packet instructions. Cover seeds with vermiculite, sprinkle with warm water and insert ice-cream stick(s) labelled according to seeds.
STEP 4
Cover pots with plastic wrap to retain moisture. Set tray on heat pad until seeds sprout, then remove plastic. Place seeds under grow lamp for 14-16 hours a day, until seedlings are ready to transplant to your garden or larger pots.
Happy making!
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The cheapest way to grow your own veggies
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