Join our 4-H teen as he dives into the world of Earth science.
What are we learning about today?
Have you ever heard of paper you can plant in the ground that can actually grow? It sounds like magic but it's really just earth science combined with a little creativity.
Whether its a flower or a tomato, all plants start from a seed. Seeds need just the right conditions to grow. Using air, water, the right temperature, and the right kind of soil, a seed will start to germinate. Give it a little more time, and some water, and plant will start to sprout.
Join us in making your own plantable seed paper!
What do you need?
- Recycled paper (scraps of newspaper, construction paper, or printer paper)
- Warm water
- Blender or food processor
- Bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Flower seeds (small, fast-growing ones work best)
- Screen or mesh strainer
- Dish towel or sponge
- Optional: cookie cutters, rolling pin, or colored paper for fun designs
Try it yourself
- Tear it up.
- Rip your recycled paper into small pieces. You'll need about 1 cup of paper.
- Soak it.
- Put the paper pieces into a bowl and cover them with warm water. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes; longer is even better.
- Blend it.
- Carefully pour the soaked paper and water into a blender. Blend it until you have a pulpy, oatmeal-like mix. This is your new paper base!
- Add seeds.
- Pour the pulp into a mixing bowl and stir in your flower seeds. Don't blend the seeds, or they might get damaged. Mix gently.
- Shape it.
- Scoop the pulp onto your screen or mesh strainer. Use your hands or a spoon to flatten and press it out. You can also use cookie cutters for shapes.
- Gently press out as much water as you can using a sponge or towel. This helps your paper dry faster.
- Leave it to dry overnight, or longer if it's thick. Once it's completely dry, you've got your very own plantable seed paper!
- Want to use it?
- Place your paper on some soil, cover it with a thin layer of dirt, and water it well.
- In a few days, you'll start to see little sprouts growing right out of the paper.
Open and print the supply list for yourself!
Want to learn more?