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Frugal gardeners often reuse items destined for the recycling bin or garbage by transforming paper towel and toilet paper rolls into biodegradable seed starters. This approach allows them to save money while being environmentally friendly.
starting seeds indoors
, combining a love of DIY tricks and gardening know-how. While this approach is as noble as it is economical, the soil in the pots needs to stay quite moist to germinate, and wet conditions can lead to mold growth on the cardboard roll.
These improvised containers often become damp due to the extremely humid conditions required for seed germination or because the indoor gardener tends to overwater them — sometimes both factors contribute. Just like how mildew forms in our showers, molds flourish in moist settings. Without proper measures, an impressive seed-starting arrangement can swiftly transform into a daunting fungal invasion. Who would want to nurture fuzzy mold instead of growing veggies?
Read more:
10 Everyday household items you should be repurposing for your yard and garden
The Problem With Mold On Seed Pots
Just as there are different types of fungal organisms that can damage plants in the garden, such as blight and powdery mildew, wet conditions can also encourage the growth of unwanted microorganisms on indoor seed trays. Damping off is
A condition affecting plants that can lead to young shoots collapsing.
And fail, resulting from fungal and fungus-like microorganisms. Occasionally, this condition leads to the death of seedlings before they can even emerge from the ground.
If you notice fuzzy growth spreading over the soil, your seedlings might be susceptible to damping off; however, seeing white mold on the exterior of the containers isn’t something to worry about. After transplanting the small plants into the garden, fungi will take advantage of the compostable nature of these homemade pots and aid in breaking them down into natural components. Nevertheless, should the container disintegrate prematurely, repurposing it becomes rather pointless.
Stopping Mildew Development In Toilet Paper Roll Planters
Even though your homemade toilet paper roll plant pots might fall apart before transplantation, you can still steer clear of mold developing inside recycled cardboard tubes. The key precaution indoor gardeners should observe is avoiding excessive watering of their seedlings. Instead, maintain warmth around the plants to prevent them from sitting in damp, chilly environments where harmful organisms flourish. Opt for specialized seed-starting mix instead of regular potting soil; this type of mixture is sterilized and devoid of fungi responsible for damping-off disease. For those looking to elevate their gardening skills, consider emulating professional practices: use either chemical fungicides or biological ones when planting seeds to safeguard against fungal issues. Always adhere strictly to the application guidelines provided by the manufacturers when employing these protective measures.
Ultimately, you might conclude that repurposing cardboard tubes is not the best fit for your gardening projects. Alternatives free from plastic for making homemade garden containers encompass various options.
CowPots
, created using composted cattle dung or soil blocks, which are both
basic soil techniques for kickstarting seeds in an eco-friendlier way.
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