Make Your Own Seed Tape
Seed tape is very useful for ensuring correct planting distance for easier gardening, especially if you have little helpers with smaller hands which accidently put an entire seed packet in one small patch of soil (relatable? no, just me??). It also makes a lovely homemade gift for the avid gardener in your life, and if you have a seed stash kicking around at home, you can make seed tape yourself using common household supplies.
Seeds which traditionally work best in seed paper are those which are best sown directly. For example; leafy green, spinach, lettuce, kale, carrot, parsnips, radish, coriander, calendula, marigolds, nasturtium, cornflower, cosmos and borage. You can also use seed tape for greenhouse growing of other faves, such as tomatoes, beans, corn, cucumber etc.
What you will need
- Sheet of newspaper
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Ruler
- Small paintbrush
- Lukewarm water
- Rubber bands/paper clips or twine
- Seeds of your choice
Directions
1. Cut the newspaper into 2 inch wide strips with your scissors.
2. Create your seed glue by mixing 1 tablespoon of flour and 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water. This should have the consistency of paper mache paste, add more flour/water as required.
3. Label one edge of the newspaper strip with the type of seed you are using, look at the seed packet for instructions on seed spacing, and using your ruler, mark the strips at the recommended intervals.
4. Using your paintbrush, apply a dab of your flour glue on each mark you made, and place 2 seeds on each spot of glue.
5. Allow the flour glue to dry completely, then roll them up and secure them with your rubber band/twine or paper clip. If you don't intend on planting straight away, store them in your jar.
6. To plant your seed tape, dig a small trench in your garden, unroll the tape, place it in your trench, cover with soil, and water.