Sunday, January 25, 2009

Innovative gardening idea from Bayview




Photos and text by Rhonda Winter
Bayview Resident

My neighbor Alyssa and I spent this afternoon making paper pots to propagate wildflower seeds for the Latona Community Garden. Anyone can create these simple recycled pots using just an empty can or jar and paper.

To make a paper pot simply cut your material to size, fold it and wrap it around your jar or can leaving a few inches over the end of the container, then fold the edges of the paper over into the open end. Next, remove the jar and push the sides down to form the bottom for your pot. Now you are ready to fill it with soil for planting your favorite vegetables or flowers.

Once your seeds have sprouted, the whole biodegradable pot can be planted directly into the ground so you do not have to disturb the seedlings’ roots. The entire paper pot will eventually just decompose into the earth!

When initially making paper pots I suggest experimenting with different sizes, methods and materials to see what works best for you; there is more than one way to make a perfect paper pot. I prefer to use old grocery bags the spirit and energy of community because they are sturdy and last many months, but something else might work better for your planting needs.

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