Seed Starter Tubes for Zinnias & Sunflowers

Making seed starter tubes with paper towel or toilet paper rolls is an easy and eco-friendly way to start seeds. Here’s how you can do it:

Materials Needed:

• Empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls
• Scissors
• A tray or shallow container
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Water

Instructions:

1. Cut the Rolls:
   • If using paper towel rolls, cut them into smaller sections about 3-4 inches tall. Toilet paper rolls are already the right height.
2. Create a Base:
   • Make 4 small cuts (about ½ inch long) around one end of each roll.
   • Fold the flaps inward to form a bottom to help hold soil. You can also leave them open and place them in a tray to prevent soil from spilling out.
3. Fill with Soil:
   • Place the tubes upright in a shallow tray and fill each with moist potting soil, leaving about ½ inch of space at the top.
4. Plant the Seeds:
   • Choose your seeds and plant them according to their depth requirements (usually about 2-3 times the seed’s size in depth).
5. Water Gently:
   • Lightly water the soil to keep it damp but not soggy.
6. Provide Light & Warmth:
   • Place your tray in a warm, well-lit area or under grow lights.
7. Transplanting:
   • Once the seedlings are strong enough, you can plant the entire tube directly into the garden. The cardboard will break down naturally in the soil.
   • How to Sow Zinnia and Sunflower Seeds in Toilet Paper Roll Tubes
   • Zinnias:
   • When to Sow Indoors: 4-6 weeks before the last frost date
   • When to Transplant: After the last frost when the soil is warm
   • How to Plant in Tubes:
     1. Fill the tube with moist potting soil, leaving ½ inch of space at the top.
     2. Make a small hole (¼ inch deep) in the center of the soil.
     3. Drop in one zinnia seed and cover lightly with soil.
     4. Water gently and keep the soil damp but not soggy.
     5. Place in a warm, sunny spot (or under grow lights).
     6. Once seedlings have two sets of true leaves and outdoor temperatures are consistently warm, plant the entire tube in your garden.
   • Sunflowers:
   • When to Sow Indoors: 2-4 weeks before the last frost
   • When to Transplant: After the danger of frost has passed
   • How to Plant in Tubes:
     1. Fill the tube with moist potting soil, leaving ½ inch of space at the top.
     2. Make a hole about ½ inch deep in the center of the soil.
     3. Drop in one sunflower seed and cover lightly with soil.
     4. Water gently and place the tube in a warm, sunny location.
     5. Once the seedling is about 3-4 inches tall, harden it off and transplant the whole tube directly into the ground.
   • Both zinnias and sunflowers prefer full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure to choose a bright spot in your garden for transplanting! 🌿🌸🌻