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I used to feel a little guilty tossing toilet paper rolls into the trash — it just felt wasteful. Then one spring, I realized those little cardboard tubes were perfect for starting seeds. Since then, I haven’t bought a plastic seed tray in years.
This is one of those gardening hacks that’s almost too easy. It’s cheap, it works, and you’re reusing something you already have in the house. If you’re gearing up for a new season of planting, don’t throw out those empty toilet paper rolls — turn them into seed starters instead.
Why Toilet Paper Rolls Make Great Seed Starters
First off, they’re biodegradable. That means you can plant the whole thing straight into the ground when it’s time to transplant — no root disturbance, no plastic waste.
They’re also the perfect size. They hold just enough soil for a seed to get going, and you can fit a bunch of them in a tray or shallow box without taking up too much space.
And let’s be honest: it feels good to use something that would’ve gone straight into the bin.
How I Make Seed Starters From Toilet Paper Rolls
This takes less than 10 minutes and no fancy tools. Here’s how I do it:
What You’ll Need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Scissors
- A small tray or shallow box
- Potting mix
- Seeds of your choice
Step-by-Step:
- Cut Slits at the Bottom: I cut four small slits (about ½ inch each) on one end of the roll and fold them in like flaps to make a little base. This keeps the soil from falling out the bottom.
- Place in a Tray: I stand all the folded rolls up in a box lid, baking dish, or any shallow container. You want them packed tight so they don’t tip over once filled with soil.
- Fill with Potting Mix: I scoop potting soil into each tube and gently press it down. You don’t want it packed too tight, but it should hold together.
- Plant Your Seeds: I plant one or two seeds per tube, depending on what I’m growing, then water lightly and set the tray in a sunny spot or under grow lights.
When It’s Time to Transplant
Once the seedlings are ready to go outside, I just plant the whole roll in the garden or pot. The cardboard breaks down over time, and the roots keep growing without any shock.
If the cardboard looks too firm when transplanting, I gently tear the bottom open a bit so roots can spread out faster — but usually, it softens up on its own.
A Smart, Zero-Waste Start to the Season
Since I started doing this, I’ve saved money, reduced waste, and had better success transplanting my seedlings. It’s one of those simple habits that makes a big impact — for your garden and your trash can.
So next time you finish a roll of toilet paper, don’t toss it. Save it for seed starting, and give your plants a strong (and sustainable) head start.
