A Season of New Beginnings 🌱

March brings the promise of spring — a time when flowers begin to rise from the soil and gardens are planted for summer and fall harvests. It’s the perfect season to nurture new life and teach children about growth, patience, and caring for our environment.

Gardening can also be a wonderful opportunity to reuse everyday household items and even seeds from the fruits and vegetables we eat. With just a few simple materials, you can create your own mini greenhouse at home!

Recycled Toilet Paper Roll Planters

Materials:

• Toilet paper rolls

• Scissors

• Potting soil

• Seeds of your choice

• Waterproof container

• Plastic wrap or zip-top bag

• Water

Instructions:

1. Cut each toilet paper roll in half (widthwise).

2. On one end of each smaller roll, make four evenly spaced cuts about ⅓ of the way up.

3. Fold the cut sections inward, like closing the bottom of a box, to create a base.

4. Place the folded side down in a waterproof container.

5. Fill each roll with potting soil, gently packing it down.

6. Add your seeds, ensuring they are fully covered with soil.

7. Water generously. You can either water from the top or add water to the bottom of the container and allow the rolls to soak it up.

8. Cover the container with plastic wrap or place inside a zip-top bag and set it in a sunny window to create a mini greenhouse.
   

Once your seeds sprout, remove the plastic covering to allow proper airflow and prevent mold growth.

When the seedlings are strong enough to handle (no longer delicate and holding themselves upright), you can plant the entire roll directly into a larger pot or garden bed. The cardboard will naturally compost, enriching the soil as your plant continues to grow.

Egg Shell & Egg Carton Seed Starters

Best for smaller seeds such as herbs.

Materials:

• Egg carton

• Clean, halved egg shells (optional)

• Potting soil

• Seeds

• Waterproof container

• Spray bottle

Instructions:

1. If using egg shells, rinse them thoroughly and allow them to dry.

2. Carefully poke a small hole in the bottom of each shell for drainage.

3. Place each shell half back into the egg carton to stabilize them.

4. Fill each shell or carton section with potting soil, leaving a small space at the top.

5. Create a small hole in the soil using your finger or a toothpick.

6. Place 1–2 seeds in each section and gently cover with soil.

7. Use a spray bottle to lightly water the soil, preventing overwatering.
   

Place your carton in a sunny, warm window and keep the soil lightly moist as the seeds begin to grow.

Once seedlings reach a few inches tall and develop at least two sets of leaves, they’re ready to move. You can either:

• Gently crack the egg shell and plant it directly into a larger pot (the shell adds nutrients!), or

• Remove the seedling carefully and transplant it into new soil.
  

Growing plants from recycled materials is a beautiful way to welcome spring while teaching sustainability, responsibility, and the magic of watching something grow from seed to harvest. 🌼