Join us on our new gardening journey! We are excited to embark on this with our family. One great way to get kids involved is with these Cardboard Tube Seed Starters. They are inexpensive and easy to make! This post includes affiliate links, which when purchased through, add no cost to the consumer but provide this site with a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
After completing the boys’ playroom renovation, my husband and I began a new project: a garden. I have a specific vision in my head for the garden’s final look. Between our work schedules and kids, it has been difficult to get this project off the ground. We are both committed to doing this project right, even if it takes a while.
Follow along with our gardening journey on Instagram.
We have involved the kids in the process from the beginning. Though we are currently at a “heavy lifting stage” that limits the kids availability to help, these Cardboard Tube Seed Starters are something that they have been able to create. I like that this project enables them to get involved and see how to reuse a common household item.
How to Make Cardboard Tube Seed Starters
Gather these items:
- Cardboard tubes – These can be toilet paper tubes or paper towel tubes. If using paper towel tubes, cut them into thirds.
- Garden soil
- Seeds
- A plastic tray
- Scissors
Begin by cutting a little longer than 1/4″ diagonal lines around one end of the cardboard tube. Fold in the cut edges so that they create a bottom for the tube. There may be a small hole in the center of the tube still, but that is okay.
Place the tube in the tray. Fill with soil. Add seeds at the top, covering the seeds gently with soil.
Continue until the tray is full or there are no more cardboard tubes. Water the seeds. Keep the seed starters indoors until they are seedlings, watering daily.
Planting the Cardboard Seed Starters
Acclimate the seedlings before planting them outdoors. Do this by taking them outside for longer periods each day until they are use to being outside. When planting, place the cardboard tube and all into the soil.
Benefits of this Planting Method
- The cardboard tubes are using something that normally would be waste. The cardboard is considered a compostable material and is biodegradable when planted.
- This saves money, especially for those who are new to gardening (like us!) and want to start their garden with minimal investment.
- Kids love it, making it great for a family activity.
