Make Paper Plant Pots (With or Without 3D Printer)

In this instructable I'll show you how to make biodegradable plant pots using scrap paper, they work well as seed starter pots and, as paper is biodegradable, you can just plant the whole thing and the paper will break down in the ground, no fuss!

I've designed a 3D printable tool to help make the whole process a little easier and make sure your pots are consistent but don't worry if you don't have a printer - I will also be including instructions on how to do the same thing using objects you probably have around the house such as a glass or empty jar!

If Printing:

• Your printer
• Your choice of filament
• Scrap paper (newspaper or packing paper work well)

If Not Printing

• Something roughly the size you want your pots to be with an open or indented end such as a jar or wine bottle
• Scrap Paper (newspaper or packing paper work well)

If printing, I've provided the stl files here - I made designs for 40mm pots but if you want something different then here is a link to my Tinkercad project so you can play around with it and make any changes you like.

I'll leave the slicing to you but you shouldn't need any supports or a raft and I'd recommend at least 20% infill just to make sure it stands up to use.

If you're not printing you'll need to choose an item with a circumference of roughly the size you want your paper pots to be. It also makes the process much easier if you use something with an open end like a jar or cup.

Cut your paper into strips just a little longer than the depth you want the pots to be

You can use your mould to help you measure roughly where to cut

There's no need to be super precise here but it'll be easier to roll if you cut straight!

• Taking your mould, line it up with your paper so that the paper overhangs a little like in the picture.
• Roll the paper around the mould as shown - you want it to quite be tight so it holds together.

If you printed your mould:

• Fold the overhanging edges into the base of the mould as shown
  (apologies for the angles here, this was hard to film!)
• Press the whole thing into the base piece firmly to form the bottom of your pot as pictured
• Slide the pot off the mould

If you are using a jar or similar:

• As shown with the printed mould, fold your overhanging edges into the opening in your jar
• Slide the pot off the mould and place on a flat surface
• Using your fingers, press down any loose paper inside your pot until it's flat and your pot holds its shape

If you find that your pot doesn't hold its shape very well you may just need to wrap a little tighter next time!

They will also feel much stronger once filled so don't worry if some are a little loose - the soil pushing against the walls of the pot actually helps hold everything together!

That's really all there is to it - I'd recommend making these as and when you need them and filling them straight away as the soil helps them hold their shape.

They can come apart if left empty as there's no glue or tape used to ensure they're fully biodegradable.

Due to this, these pots are great for seed starters as they can be replanted without having to fuss about removing the pot first.

Just to be clear and to avoid disappointment - they won't work as a long term planting solution. They will (by design) disintegrate with use.