I would like to make my own plantable paper and put my own wildflower, or lavender seeds on the paper. How do I keep the seeds from falling off?
MaryLynn from Saskatoon, SK
MaryLynn,
If the seeds are added during the papermaking process, they will become imbedded in the layers of pulp as the paper dries. Here are some directions for making plantable paper.
For great gifts, use cookie cutters or stencils to trace holiday shapes. Cut them out and attach a ribbon for thoughtful gifts that last beyond the holiday season. Other uses for home made paper include scrapbooks, stationary and note cards, journal or photo album covers, lampshades, etc. Don't forget to include the planting instructions!
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
A wash of white glue or wheat paste and water (or flour) will biodegrade as well as hold the seeds in place.
i've read in gardening books that white school glue works for this. a stripe of it on toilet paper, add seeds and let dry. i always wanted to try it but haven't taken the time.
Why not attach with whatever to wrapping paper TISSUE which comes in it's own clear plastic sack for temporary storage, allowing for advanced application?( I'd use a spice jar with holes on inside lid to apply the seeds). Perhaps you could also research organic pest control liquids, fungicides,
and seed boosters/tonics containing molasses?(I believe), from Jerry Baker perhaps? then apply to paper first with one of the suggested methods, then apply again when seeds are being attached to the tissue? I haven't done this but thought about it so that the seeds would have less trouble getting root growth through the paper during early sprouting?
A man from Australia just suggested on his garden
site that newspaper makes good COVER around new plants, but not necessarily seed. Also, I read that
the depth of the planting depends upon the thickness of the seed. The more thin the seed, the more shallow it's planted, and vice-versa. Have you used the roll-out seed paper before? The idea sounds great. God bless you.
I have found that seeds stick to paper towel naturally when you wash them and put them on paper towel to dry. The paper adheres to the seeds & does not seem to interfere when planting. I have experienced this with tomato, cucumber and tomatillo seeds - they are wet when harvested, or wet from rinsing for harvesting!
I have never planted flower seeds on paper, but I used the toilet paper with white glue method when I planted my carrots this year. The seeds are so tiny that they are hard to sow by hand. I just dipped a toothpick in white glue, and picked up a seed and deposited it on the paper. I cut the paper into 1 inch strips, and I placed the seeds 1 inch apart on the paper. No thinning necessary, and I got a very nice crop. I also did my radishes that way. I don't like thinning plants, so it worked very well for me.
Harlean from Arkansas
Hello!
To stick the seeds you can use egg white diluted with a little water. Use a pincel put a drop of egg white and put the seed on top of it. Let it dried it will stick the seeds on the paper and it is not toxic. Try not to use white paper as it could contain some bleach that would not help the seeds germination.
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!