Grow Your Own Magazine


Go Back   The Grapevine > Over the Fence > Top Tips
Top Tips Share your best advice and suggestions

   Grow Your Own Sponsor
Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 01:20 PM
Tuber
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NW Kent
Posts: 545
Default Newspaper Pots

Not sure if thi9s hasd been posted before, found it while idly browsing the web:

http://www.geocities.com/newspaperpots/
__________________
Blogging Again at..
http://www.wizer.co.uk
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #2 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 01:24 PM
Early Fruiter
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 3,843
Default

I wonder what happens to them when you water the seedlings?
__________________
[
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #3 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 06:52 PM
nick the grief's Avatar
Gardening Guru
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sunny Nunny, Warwickshire
Posts: 5,840
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lesley Jay
I wonder what happens to them when you water the seedlings?
They get wet

I might have guessed he was from Japan home of Origami.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #4 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 07:03 PM
dragonz's Avatar
Sprouter
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 122
Default

would the ink on the newspaper affect my likkle veggies? if not, the boyf reads loads of newspaper, I think I could get 100 new pots for free every week if I could be bothered to make them
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #5 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 07:44 PM
Germinator
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Cam, Gloucestershire
Posts: 2
Default

Anyone tried to make them - I can't do it! Get stuck at folding sides along the spine. Think I'll get the children to make papier mache ones!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #6 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 08:16 PM
Jaxom's Avatar
Cropper
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Cardiff South Wales
Posts: 1,186
Default

I make paper pots by cutting strips of newspaper and wrapping them round a cylinder that corresponds to the size I wish the finished pots to be.
When you slide the cylinder off the mould stop when 1cm of paper is proud and push the sides towards the centre. Then slide the cylinder right off the mould and fold the bottom sides in and tuck up. What you now have is a paper ring.
I place these rings on a seed tray and fill up with earth.
As these paper pots have no bottoms they allow roots to grow on when I plant them out in their final position.
I use spice pots, rolling pins and glass jars as the moulds due to the varieties in size that can be found in my kitchen.
Jax

Last edited by Jaxom; 26-01-2006 at 08:18 PM.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #7 (permalink)  
Old 26-01-2006, 10:06 PM
Tuber
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NW Kent
Posts: 545
Default

I diidnt get a chance to have a go at them tonight, will experiment tomorrow.
__________________
Blogging Again at..
http://www.wizer.co.uk
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #8 (permalink)  
Old 27-01-2006, 06:09 PM
Seedling
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Midlands
Posts: 50
Default

I've just managed to finish one,came out matchbox size but have now got the hang of it. Proudly showed my husband who looked at me sadly, probably thinking get a life! Little does he know I now need lots of these and as he's lately retired perhaps would like to have a go. Give him something to do after his golf sessions!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #9 (permalink)  
Old 27-01-2006, 07:36 PM
Tuber
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NW Kent
Posts: 545
Default

i've just mastered it myself... I think they will work out great
__________________
Blogging Again at..
http://www.wizer.co.uk
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #10 (permalink)  
Old 29-01-2006, 09:28 PM
Germinator
 
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 21
Default

Just printed out the directions, Think I'm with Josie on this one & will get the kids to make them
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #11 (permalink)  
Old 23-04-2006, 09:32 AM
Seedling
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Snowdonia
Posts: 71
Default

I made loads the other day and they seem to be doing the job. I put them in those plant pot trays for a bit of extra rigidity. They give them away at my local garden centre by the till for you to carry your purchases.
OH said "Why are you making water bombs?"
Origami has many uses, apparently.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #12 (permalink)  
Old 13-05-2006, 07:15 PM
Seedling
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: cornwall
Posts: 69
Default

Looks a bit complicated, made mind by wrapping news paper around a piece of piping then tucking in the bottom that had been snipped to approx 2 cm, made 75 plus in under an hour, well it was raining and I was bored.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #13 (permalink)  
Old 14-04-2008, 03:13 PM
Squirrel's Avatar
Tuber
 
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk Border
Posts: 518
Default

I had a go at doing these again - last did them about two years ago and found they were great. I have sandy soil and I was able to grow lovely lettuces in full sun, without them bolting because the paper kept them nice and moist!

Still had some unused ones lying around and tried to work out how to fold them, could I? Could I h**l! Glad the link was still working!
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #14 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 12:02 AM
Mike and Louise's Avatar
Sprouter
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: On the edge of rural Corsham, North Wiltshire.
Posts: 116
Default

I just made one lol.

They look quite good actually and the bottom of the pot is only one paper thick, unlike the sides which are thicker, so the roots will be able to break through the bottom OK.

Shame I didn't see this before. I'll give them a try next year.
__________________
Read our chicken keeping and veg growing diary here:
http://www.naturalaromas.co.uk/the_good_life

Veg section: Last updated on July 13 2008
Chicken section: Last updated on April 22 2008
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #15 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 12:26 AM
Rooter
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester
Posts: 304
Default

this site is unavailable
http://www.geocities.com/newspaperpots/

any ideas?
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #16 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 07:25 AM
Elijay's Avatar
Seedling
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Portsmouth. Hampshire
Posts: 43
Default

Tips & Warnings:
  • Place the pots in a seed tray and fill them with good-quality potting soil.

  • Stack the newspaper pots side by side in the flat so that they'll support each other and prevent the sides from collapsing. Plant your chosen seeds; when the seeds have two sets of leaves, tear off the bottom half of the pot and plant - pot and all - into the ground. The pot will break down quickly once in the soil.

  • Only use black printed news paper as colour pages may contain toxic petroleum-based colored ink.
__________________
"A garden is a friend you can visit any time."
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #17 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 08:47 AM
zazen999's Avatar
Cropper
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: South Derbyshire
Posts: 1,331
Blog Entries: 25
Default

Clay; just tried the link and it worked fine.
__________________
Andrea :wavehello

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...logs/zazen999/

moon trial underway with onions, lettuce, tomatoes and calabrese.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #18 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 09:03 AM
Elijay's Avatar
Seedling
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Portsmouth. Hampshire
Posts: 43
Default

I used the link this morning and it does work. I've found this useful tutorial. However I wouldn't but the demonstrator used coloured newsprint. How2Make - Newspaper Plant Pots
__________________
"A garden is a friend you can visit any time."
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #19 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 10:17 AM
Mike and Louise's Avatar
Sprouter
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: On the edge of rural Corsham, North Wiltshire.
Posts: 116
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Elijay View Post
I used the link this morning and it does work. I've found this useful tutorial. However I wouldn't but the demonstrator used coloured newsprint. How2Make - Newspaper Plant Pots
Nice one.
At least they are easier and quicker to make, but I am a little concerned about the open side part which may roll open when it is wet from the compost inside.

I'll have to give both types a go and see which holds up best.
__________________
Read our chicken keeping and veg growing diary here:
http://www.naturalaromas.co.uk/the_good_life

Veg section: Last updated on July 13 2008
Chicken section: Last updated on April 22 2008
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #20 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 12:06 PM
marialittlebzz's Avatar
Sprouter
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: North London
Posts: 164
Default

I used some this year and I will recommend to use double layer of paper, once wet mine have just collapsed !
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #21 (permalink)  
Old 16-04-2008, 12:34 PM
Elijay's Avatar
Seedling
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Portsmouth. Hampshire
Posts: 43
Default

I would use a double layer of newsprint. What about securing it with a rubber band? If they're all wedged into a seed tray they should hold together.
__________________
"A garden is a friend you can visit any time."
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #22 (permalink)  
Old 20-04-2008, 10:17 PM
Germinator
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 4
Default

Don't know if this is still true but 20 years ago my dad used to put shredded newspaper in the trench when planting spuds. Idea was that the ink is poisonous to Slugs
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #23 (permalink)  
Old 21-04-2008, 12:06 AM
Rooter
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Manchester
Posts: 304
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by halften30 View Post
Don't know if this is still true but 20 years ago my dad used to put shredded newspaper in the trench when planting spuds. Idea was that the ink is poisonous to Slugs
it wouldn't work now becuase the ink has to meet safety standards, but newspaper is still damn good for helping break up the soil (encouraging wormage ).

Last edited by ClayGarden; 21-04-2008 at 12:07 AM.
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #24 (permalink)  
Old 21-04-2008, 12:59 PM
denise's Avatar
Sprouter
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Northants
Posts: 227
Default

I use a double layer paper and I put a paper clip on the top to hold the flap in place - this is easy to removed when planting and reused again next year.
__________________
Denise xox

Learn from the mistakes of others because you'll never live long enough to make them all yourself.
-- Alfred E. Neumann
http://irchesterplot.blogspot.com
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #25 (permalink)  
Old 30-05-2008, 10:16 PM
chickenjane's Avatar
Sprouter
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Worcestershire
Posts: 109
Default

Super thread thankyou.
I've got a little wooden die that is used to make pots just like the loo-roll ones. the only difference is it has a shapes saucer that you press it into when you've folded the bottom in . Force the two together & it sort of seals the bottom. bought it 20 yrs ago. jolly usefull little gadget.

Never had a problem with pots disintegrating too early if they are packed together for mutual support, not have I had a problem of need ing to break the bottom to help the roots come out. Generally, the act of planting is enough to weaken the base.

I'm a bit concerned about the printed papaer warnings. 2 reasons.
firstly I've just made up a large no of pots today from a glossy holiday mag that dropped through the door. ( It was all I could find ) will it kill any seeds or maybe just fragile ones. I'm re-sowing all my climbing beans cos someone came & ate ALL of mine during the rains last w/E.

Secondly for several years now I've been composting all paper & card except what I use for fire lighting. we have several 'drive in' compost heaps that get kitchen waste, mowings,hedge trimmings, old clothes, in fact anything biodegradeable. will the printed paper make the compost harmful? Haven't noticed a problem yet, but .......
__________________
Jane
Digg this Post!Add Post to del.icio.usBookmark Post in TechnoratiFurl this Post!
Reply With Quote
  #26 (permalink)