Learn how to start seeds indoors now with this simple tutorial for kids! Kids will love planting seeds in recycled toilet paper tubes. They can watch the seeds grow, then plant them in the ground when the time is right.
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Nature Activity: How to Start Seed Indoors
My parents always planted a large vegetable garden in the spring. We planted the seeds, tended and watered the plants as they grew. Then we harvested and canned or froze the vegetables.
But mom always purchased her flower plants from the local nursery. We never tried to start plants indoors from seeds. I have friends that start their flowers and some of their vegetables from seed which motivated me to try it myself.
I wanted to share this fun nature activity with you to try. The recycled TP roll seed starter pots make it inexpensive and a way to compost. I think kids will find this a fun thing to learn how to do!
Supplies
You don’t need much to bring this nature activity to life!
- Toilet paper tubes- Collect TP tubes, I used five for one small packet of flower seeds.
- Potting soil- Use potting soil or seed starting mix to start seeds.
- Seeds- Choose and purchase the seeds you would like to start.
- Spray bottle- Spray the seeds down with a fine spray mist from a spray bottle.
- Container- You’ll need a container (cake pan or food storage container) to set the TP tubes in while the seed is starting indoors.
- Spoon (optional)- Use a spoon to put soil in the tubes.
Steps to Get Your Seeds Planted
TP starter pots
The fun begins by making seed starter pots from the TP tubes.
You can leave the TP tubes full length or cut them in half. I chose to cut mine in half.
Choose one of several ways to close up the bottom of the tube so it can hold dirt. Let me give you a couple options and then show you the option I chose.
First you can push one side of the TP tube in and then push the other side of the TP tube in. The two sides overlap and create a “bottom” to the TP starter pots. This isn’t my favorite option because it doesn’t sit flat.
The second option is to cut a piece of paper like butcher paper in a 3 inch by 3 inch square. Pull it up around the bottom of the TP tube and secure it with a rubber band or piece of string.
The last option is what I like to do.
Cut four ¾ inch slits into the tube on one end. The slits should be equal distances apart. Push the flaps into the center of the tube end one at a time. One end of the second flap will overlap the one end of the first flap.
On the last flap, tuck the end of the fourth flap under the end of the first flap. This holds them in place. This is how I fold the flaps of a box in place too.
Make as many seed starter pots from the TP tubes as you need for your seed planting project. I made ten to fit in a small container and sprout the small packet of daisy seeds I purchased.
Seeds planted
Look at your seed packet and read about when to start seeds indoors and most importantly, how deep to plant the seeds. Every seed has its specific directions.
Place the potting soil or seed starting mix into the tubes by scooping it up with the tube itself or spooning it in with a spoon. Fill the TP tubes up to about ½ inch from the top.
Place them into a cake pan or storage container to keep them upright and
Take out the seeds you are to plant and put them in your palm. The daisy seeds I planted were small. Take a few of the tiny seeds and place them on top of the soil in each tube.
Your seeds may be larger and if so they are easier to plant.
Then cover them with the amount of soil that the directions said was appropriate.
If you don’t have specific directions for your seeds then look up this information online.
Use light pressure to compact the soil.
Water and wait!
A spray bottle set on a spray mist setting waters the seeds without pouring on water that washes the soil and seeds away.
I placed a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the top of the container for several days. This acts like a little green house.
Then set the container by a window, preferably a south window. Place it on a cutting board or something to keep water from hurting the surface.
Water lightly each day and patiently wait for the seeds to come up. Mine took ** days and I thought they would never come up!
Once sprouted the seeds grow quickly. Be sure to water and don’t put the plastic wrap cover on again. Be looking for their first set of two leaves.
Transplant the seeds
When the outdoor conditions and timing are good (according to directions) then you can plant them, TP tube and all, into the ground outside.
You can let them grow inside awhile but they tend to get gangly after awhile. Gangly means having a long stem and then falling over more easily.
If you keep them inside you can transplant the plants into bigger containers.
But putting them outside when the weather is warm and soil temps are right is good for the plant.
Craft Tips
These tips can help making planting seeds even easier!
- Plastic wrap- I placed a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the top of the container for several days. This acts like a little green house keeping the soil warm and preventing the soil from drying out.
- Plant in tube- The TP tube will decompose around the plant. No need to remove the cardboard from the soil and plant when you plant outdoors.
- Label the TP tubes- You may plant several types of seeds. Be sure to write the plant type on the outside the TP tube with a permanent marker.
Craft Variations
Here are a few variations you’re welcome to try with this how to start seeds indoors nature activity:
- TP tube prep- Try using a whole tube instead of a half tube or one of the other options for sealing the bottom of the tube.
- Seed types- This is a great way to affordably try a variety of plants. Try several different flower seed types.
FAQ
If you seal off the bottom of a toilet paper tube and put soil in the tube you can grow any type of seed. Choose the type of seed you want and plant it to the correct depth in the soil. Transplant the small plant when it is the correct timing according to the directions on the packet. You can grow tomatoes, peppers, jalapeños, (other vegetables), and many flower varieties from seeds. Go to the local garden center or other store type that has seeds.
This is a very easy project. Seal the bottom of the toilet paper tubes (directions on this post). Add soil. Then should you start seeds indoors according to the directions on the seed packet. It will tell you how long they take to germinate, how deep they need to be planted, and when to transplant the small plants.
More DIY Nature Activities for Kids
Looking for more great nature crafts or activities for kids? Here are a few favorites for you to try:
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How to Start Seeds Indoors Now in TP Tubes!
Equipment
- none needed
Items Required
- TP tubes,
- potting soil or seed starting mix
- the seeds you would like to start
- a spray bottle
- a container to set the TP tubes into
- Spoon (optional)
Instructions
- The fun begins by making seed starter pots from the TP tubes.You can leave the TP tubes full length or cut them in half. I chose to cut mine in half.Cut four ¾ inch slits into the tube on one end. The slits should be equal distances apart. Push the flaps into the center of the tube end one at a time. One end of the second flap will overlap the one end of the first flap.On the last flap, tuck the end of the fourth flap under the end of the first flap. This holds them in place. This is how I fold the flaps of a box in place too. Make as many seed starter pots from the TP tubes as you need for your seed planting project. I made ten to fit in a small container and sprout the small packet of daisy seeds I purchased.
- Place the potting soil or seed starting mix into the tubes by scooping it up with the tube itself or spooning it in with a spoon. Fill the TP tubes up to about ½ inch from the top. Place them into a cake pan or storage container to keep them upright and Take out the seeds you are to plant and put them in your palm. The daisy seeds I planted were small. Take a few of the tiny seeds and place them on top of the soil in each tube.Then cover them with the amount of soil that the directions said was appropriate. Use light pressure to compact the soil.
- A spray bottle set on a spray mist setting waters the seeds without pouring on water that washes the soil and seeds away.I placed a piece of plastic wrap loosely over the top of the container for several days. This acts like a little green house. Then set the container by a window, preferably a south window. Place it on a cutting board or something to keep water from hurting the surface.Water lightly each day and patiently wait for the seeds to come up.
- When the outdoor conditions and timing are good (according to directions) then you can plant them, TP tube and all, into the ground outside.
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