Transform Toilet Paper Rolls Into Budget-Friendly Seed Starter Pots

I’ve been itching to plant some seeds for a while now, and I thought of using paper towel rolls as cheap, biodegradable, plant starter pots.
The only catch? We don’t use many paper towels at home—I prefer re-washing towels to stay eco-friendly. So, I had to borrow a few rolls from our friendly neighbors.
Turning paper towel rolls into starter pots is such a great project. It’s practically free, gives new life to those empty rolls, and helps your garden thrive—all while being kind to the environment!
Tools and Materials:
Paper Towel rolls
Scissors
Soil
Pot
Seeds
1. Cut the Paper Towel Tube
I started by cutting each tube into thirds.
This gave me about the right height I needed for a starter pot.
I didn't measure how many inches it is, but how many different lengths can a paper towel roll be?
2. Fold the Bottom of the Tube
To create the base for your cheap, biodegradable, plant starter pots, you’ll need to fold the bottom of the tube two ways.
First, fold it in half horizontally, then vertically.
This creates fold lines that divide the bottom into quarters.
Once you’re done, the bottom will look almost like a square.
These corners make it super easy to cut four evenly spaced flaps for the next step!
3. Cut Four Tabs
Next, I cut along the four fold lines at the bottom of the tube, making each cut about an inch long.
This step is key to shaping the base of your cheap, biodegradable, plant starter pots!
4. Fold the Tabs into Flaps
Now, fold the tabs inward one by one to create a sturdy base.
If you check out the picture, you’ll see exactly how I folded them.
5. Add Soil to Your Plant Starter Pot
I filled each cheap, biodegradable, plant starter pot about two-thirds full with fresh soil.
I also set aside a bit of extra dirt to cover the seeds after planting. This simple setup makes it easy to give your seedlings a healthy start!
6. Add Seeds to Your Biodegradable Plant Starter Pots
I carefully placed a few seeds into each pot and covered them with the extra soil I had set aside.
I went with parsley seeds because I adore the vibrant green leaves, and they’re perfect for adding a fresh touch to my salads.
These cheap, biodegradable, plant starter pots make it so easy to grow exactly what you love!
Want to try another seed-starting hack?
That’s it! Your cheap, biodegradable, plant starter pots are ready to go. Don’t forget to water them regularly to keep the soil moist and your seedlings happy.
I kept mine in a mini greenhouse for about three weeks before transplanting them into larger pots—and they thrived!
Enjoyed the project?
Suggested materials:
- Paper towel roll
- Soil
- Seeds
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Could it be toilet paper rolls instead of paper towels roll?
Thanks for sharing. How can you make sure that the roots will grow through the bottom of the tube?