Seed Starters

Toilet paper rolls can serve as perfect seed starters, providing a secure and protected environment for young seedlings to grow. To create your own seed starters, simply cut the rolls in half and fill them with a seed-starter mix, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Tammy Sons, gardener and owner of TN Nursery, suggests planting seeds in the entire roll, then transplanting it into the ground once the seedlings have grown.
• Audrey King, garden center specialist at Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, notes that these seed starters are ideal for indoor gardening and container gardens.
• She also recommends using them in well-draining soil or starting seeds indoors first, as the rolls can get soggy or moldy in very wet climates.

The Benefits of Using Toilet Paper Rolls

Toilet paper rolls offer several advantages as seed starters. One of the most significant benefits is that they provide a biodegradable and eco-friendly alternative to plastic pots.

Worm Booster

Toilet paper rolls can also be used to boost the soil life, thanks to the presence of worms. According to Audrey King, garden center specialist at Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, worms love nibbling on soft cardboard.

“Worms love nibbling on soft cardboard, and their tunnels aerate the soil. The simple brown kind of cardboard is best, as it avoids any plastic coatings, dyes, or glossy finishes that can harm the environment,” says King.

To incorporate toilet paper rolls into your worm booster, simply cut them into small pieces or rings and mix them loosely into the top 4 to 6 inches of garden soil. Water as usual, and let nature take its course.

Plant Collars

Toilet paper rolls can be used to deter common garden pests, such as cutworms, which can wreak havoc on seedlings. These pests chew right through the base of your plant stems at night, making it difficult for the plant to survive. By using toilet paper rolls as plant collars, you can create a barrier that keeps these pests out until your plant is strong enough to stand up for itself.

To make the plant collars, cut one side of the roll lengthwise and then slide it around the new seedling to fit like an actual collar. The soil should be pushed carefully around it to secure the roll in place.

Compost Material

Since toilet paper rolls are biodegradable, they can be used as compost material. However, it’s essential to shred them into smaller pieces before mixing them into your compost. “Toilet paper rolls decompose naturally alongside organic matter, making them a great addition to your compost pile,” says Tammy Sons, gardener and owner of TN Nursery. However, over-watering can lead to the tubes breaking down more quickly, and they may attract moisture-loving pests if they’re left that way.

Garden Spacers

Toilet paper rolls can be used as garden spacers, providing a biodegradable and non-invasive way to maintain even spacing between plants. By placing them upright in rows, you can guide the roots downward to keep the spacing even.

However, the rolls will break down quickly, so if you’re looking for something more long-term, then toilet paper tubes may not be the best solution.

Conclusion

Repurposing toilet paper rolls is a creative and eco-friendly way to reuse household items. By using them as seed starters, worm boosters, plant collars, compost materials, and garden spacers, you can take your gardening to the next level and reduce waste in the process.