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  • Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

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    Home » Spring Activities

    DIY Seed Starter for Kids

    Published: May 21, 2020 · Modified: Jul 22, 2022 by Vicky · This post contains affiliate links.

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    I love this DIY Seed Starter for Kids because it uses recycled items to create a seed starter greenhouse. This is a great way to get kids started with gardening as they can be involved in the process every step of the way.

    DIY Seed Starter for Kids
    Jump to:
    • Why you need to make this seed starter
    • Supplies needed
    • How to make a DIY seed starter for kids
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related posts

    Why you need to make this seed starter

    Instead of buying seed starters, why not make your own. This easy project provides all the information you need to start your seeds right.

    Seed starting with children is an ideal way to enjoy the natural world and practical work. Keep small hands busy and help them learn about growing with this easy seed starter.

    Growing a plant from a seed is a fascinating project that gives a child a chance to get an understanding of nature and also helps to develop their creativity. Here are some tips on how to make seed starters with toilet paper rolls.

    Supplies needed

    • Clear plastic spinach/lettuce container/trays
    • Potting Soil
    • 18 toilet paper rolls
    • Colored Popsicle Sticks
    • Trowel
    • Scissors
    • Marker (sharpie black)
    • Assorted seeds
    toilet paper rolls and potting soil

    How to make a DIY seed starter for kids

    A seed growing kit does not have to be expensive. Here are simple directions to make your own seed growing kit for your kids using items found around the house.

    At the bottom of each toilet paper roll, make two ¾ inch cuts across from each other, then one cut in the center of each of the halves you created. Basically, you will be dividing the bottom of each roll into four equal parts.

    cutting a toilet paper roll with scissors


    Fold the 4 flaps as you would fold the flaps of a moving box. This will be the bottom of your container.

    toilet paper tube with folded bottom

    Place the toilet paper rolls folded side down into your plastic container. Fill each paper roll with garden soil.

    filling paper tubes with soil


    Next, cut each Popsicle stick in half using your scissors.

    popsicle stick cut in half with scissors


    Use your black Sharpie marker to write the names of the plants on the colored Popsicle sticks.

    popsicle sticks with vegetable names written on them


    Put in your seeds, one plant per roll and water. Cover with a small amount of soil.

    seed in soil


    Insert the Popsicle sticks in the correct seed pots.

    seed started using toilet paper rolls


    Now you have all your seeds labeled and lined up in your plastic container. Put your greenhouse seed starter near a light source to allow it to grow until your garden is ready to receive the plants. You can close the lid to create condensation in this DIY greenhouse.

    how to make a diy seeds starter greenhouse


    Make sure to water your seeds regularly.

    You may need to use a piece of folded up scrap paper  to help stabilize the paper rolls in the container. You could also use newspaper or any recycled paper of your choosing.

    Seed starter greenhouse

             

    diy seed starter greenhouse

    Planting the seedlings outdoors is also a wonderful activity for kids. They get to observe the growing process and help take the seeds to the next stage in their development.

    The Spangler Science Club brings wonderful hands-on science to your door every month if you're looking for some additional simple experiments. Join Now!

    Frequently asked questions

    How do I move the seedlings outdoors?

    When you’re ready to move your seedlings outdoors, simply remove the rolls from the container and unfold the bottom and plant the whole thing into the ground. The cardboard will decompose into the soil.

    Related posts

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    • Kid Made Bird Seed Wreath
    • Food Fun Friday: Making Butter With Kids
    • DIY Mother's Day Gifts
    • Bottle Print Flowers

     

    DIY Seed Starter for Kids
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    Hi, I'm Vicky, the founder and content creator at Mess For Less. If you are looking for family-friendly recipes, recipes that kids can make, and play and learning activities for kids, you will find them at Mess For Less. I invite you to learn more about me. Thanks for stopping by!

    Easter Activities and Recipes

    • Stained Glass Easter Cookie Recipe
    • How to Make Spotted Easter Eggs
    • M&M Easter Cookies
    • Shaving Cream Easter Eggs

    Spring Activities

    • How to Make a Mother's Day Card
    • DIY Seed Starter for Kids
    • Flower Craft Idea
    • How to Make a Paper Butterfly - Easy Craft for Kids

    Popular Recipes

    • Crack Chicken Casserole
    • Overnight Egg Casserole
    • Toasted Italian Sandwich - Food Fun Friday
    • Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake

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