Does homemade seed tape work? Check out this method to create your own DIY seed tape to sow more rows in less time and keep straight rows.
Seed tape is a long strip of paper with pre-spaced seeds glued inside. When planted, the paper biodegrades and the seeds sprout, creating a neat row of ideally spaced plants. Making your own seed tape is a great way to save time – and seeds. You can sow more rows in less time, and the process leads to neat rows that’ll require less thinning. Plus, you can prepare large quantities beforehand.
In addition to seeds, you’ll need scissors, measuring tape, a pencil, a paintbrush, white flour or starch, and toilet paper.
In a small bowl, mix white flour or starch with water to create a paste with the consistency of school glue. You won’t need much, so start by adding a tablespoon of each until you reach the right thickness.
Next, create the tape. Cut toilet paper to a width of 2 inches and as long as you like. A 3-to-4-foot-long strip is a good length. Next, fold the strip of toilet paper in half lengthwise and crease it firmly.
Step 2 Unfold the paper. Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark the distances between seeds. Place the marks in the middle of the top half of the toilet-paper “tape.” This way, the row of seeds will be centered when you fold the strip back over itself.
Step 3 Using a paintbrush, place a dab of homemade glue on each mark. Then, drop one or two seeds on each dab. Continue until you reach the end of the tape.
step 4 Fold the tape back in half lengthwise and let it dry. Then, roll it up and store it until use. Don’t forget to label it. For optimal long-term storage, place the fully dried tape in a sealed zip-close bag along with a silica gel packet and put it in the refrigerator.
Planting the DIY Seed Tape
Tear the length of seed tape you’ll need for the row. Lay the seed tape on the soil and cover it with a layer of compost or soil. Water well. When sprouts appear, thin to one seedling in each spot.
For square-foot gardens, you can use two disposable napkins cut to a square foot with seeds glued inside. You can also create tapes that alternate seeds of companion plants.
