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Saturday, March 19, 2011

Recycled Newspaper Pots

I save seeds each year from my cutting garden for the next year.  These are some of my favorites...


 Peppermint Zinnias


Assorted Zinnias



  I've started some flower seeds today.  I'm thinking I should have done this sooner but.....well......wait a minute.......I'm thinking........

 I made newspaper pots to sow them in and get them started.  The pots are super easy to make, free, and earth friendly.  And once your seedlings are old enough to move out on their own you just pop them into the ground -- paper pot and all. 




You could get fancy (and expensive) with this project.  Purchased newspaper pot makers cost $25 or more.  Sure, they're cute...

Fancy Newspaper Pot Maker


But they don't really make sense when I can whip out a can of Campbell's Soup that'll do the job for free and later sacrifice itself for dinner.


Recycled Newspaper Pot How To
 
Tear a single sheet of newspaper in half and fold in thirds.




Wrap the paper around the can about 1/4" from the top edge.  Not too tight -- you're going to have to slip it off.


Funny headline!  I said the pots were free -- not the soup!

Secure with tape.



Fold the bottom edge in like this...


then this...




Keep folding...




...and folding.




Secure with tape and slip it off the can.





I fill the pots with dirt (also free) from my compost bin and keep the seedlings moist, not soggy, until they're ready to plant, pot and all.


 

Here's a couple of cute options...




 Happy Gardening!!!


*



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90 comments:

  1. Nancy HoodMarch 19, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    I love love love this idea!!! If you don't mind, I plan to share it (along with your blog) with my readers this week. We plan to purchase another home this year and this idea will be so handy for my raised veggie beds!

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  2. Lisa ~Suburban Retreat~March 19, 2011 at 5:15 PM

    I much prefer your soup can option as opposed to the more expensive wooden pot maker. Your flowers look absolutely lovely, especially those peppermint zinnias!

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  3. PamelaMarch 19, 2011 at 5:23 PM

    I use the soup can too, just the right size. Love the zinnias.

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  4. LynnMarch 19, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    Great tutorial! I haven't tried this yet, but just bought canning cuke seeds today! Happy gardening:@)

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  5. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMarch 19, 2011 at 5:26 PM

    My neighbor does the same thing ever year with seeds. Your zinnias are so pretty! Love the little vignette you created on your counter! Martina

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  6. Raymond HomesteadMarch 19, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    What a neat idea! Great little gardening gifts!

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  7. LindyMarch 19, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    Mindy-
    You're right -- they would make great little gifts!

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  8. vicki pMarch 19, 2011 at 6:10 PM

    the peppermint zinnias are lovely~thanks for the planting lesson. I will make some to give to my gardening friends!

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  9. Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your HomeMarch 19, 2011 at 6:32 PM

    No that's creative...Great idea!

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  10. morninglorycottageMarch 19, 2011 at 7:14 PM

    Great idea. Love zinnias. So they're friendly like. Gonna have to find me some peppermint ones though. I've never seen those kind. Take care and thanks for the paper pot idea. Too late here. I'll just sow into the ground.
    Hugs~ Amanda

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  11. LindaMarch 19, 2011 at 7:20 PM

    I love your zinnia's...... peppermint stripe is so cute !!! Thanks for the great idea ...I saw another one that uses the cardboard toilet paper rolls, you just cut about an inch or so up one side about 5 times around one end and fold the strips in to make the bottom. Just another idea !!! I will try both yours and the toilet rolls.

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  12. grammy and papiMarch 19, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    Love your newpaper pot, it's MUCH easier than the one I've started making...am making a switch. I'm female...so it's okay, right? The Pepperming Zinnias are beautiful, do you know where others might be able to purchase them? Thanks again for the information.

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

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  13. Teresa@magazineyourhomeMarch 19, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    This is great, I'm so ready for planting and this makes it cheap and fun.

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  14. LindyMarch 19, 2011 at 7:41 PM

    Linda -
    I love the toilet paper roll idea! Got to start saving up on em!


    Shirley-
    I got my first pack at Lowes several years ago and I've just saved my seed since. Have you seen how expensive seeds are these days?

    Lindy

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  15. UnknownMarch 19, 2011 at 7:51 PM

    That is so cool! How come I've never seen that before! Thanks for sharing.

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  16. NanaDianaMarch 19, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Don't you love those? I also start seeds in hollowed out egg shells when I am ambitious enough to crack my eggs that way...and I use the fiberboard egg cartons too for small seedlings. Love these little pots!!! xxoo Diana

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  17. AnonymousMarch 19, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    I'm so freakin' loving this idea. And your timing is absolutely perfect. I just started some seeds in left over tiny plastic sample containers we got from my husband's older brother, and I and our 3 1/2 year old daughter planted the seeds just 3 days ago (in New Brunswick, Canada summer comes MUCH later) and I was wondering what on earth I could put them in when they get a bit bigger, but not big enough to plant outdoors. This will be absolutely PERFECT. And it's free. Gotta love that! I'm already a follower and would love to have you follow back! I'm going to include this in a post of mine in my blog. Thanks again!

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  18. The TablescaperMarch 19, 2011 at 10:15 PM

    Your zinnias are beautiful. I had never heard of newspaper pots, but they sounds like such a neat idea.

    It's great to have you being a part of Seasonal Sundays.

    - The Tablescaper

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  19. Anita @ GoingALittleCoastalMarch 19, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    I've never seen those zinnias before. Just beautiful. What a great idea for the pots!

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  20. SarahMarch 19, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    Now this is an idea I'll take and run with. Thank you! How clever and thrifty. ~ Sarah

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  21. ℳartina @ Northern NestingMarch 19, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    Lindy thanks so much for stopping by and leaving me such a sweet comment and becoming a follower I really appreciate it! I am already a follower of your blog and beautiful home, and always look forward to seeing what your up to next!! Martina

    ReplyDelete
  22. Bella @ Bella before and afterMarch 19, 2011 at 11:42 PM

    Thanks girly, I totally want to make these, I love recycling, and this is perfect. Thanks tomato soup for helping us out, he he.

    Hugs,

    Bella :) Bella Before and After

    So just wondering how exactly do you get the seeds out, you cut the flower, and THEN you get the seeds after it dries, or do you let it dry on the plant???

    ReplyDelete
  23. LindyMarch 20, 2011 at 12:28 AM

    @Bella
    Bella -
    I let the flower dry on the plant but not so long as it starts to fall apart. I store the flowers, whole, in an envelope so they can breath. The seeds are in the center and when you break them apart there will be dozens (or hundreds)of tiny seeds. If you're not sure how deep to plant a certain type of seed you can always google it. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Vintage GalMarch 20, 2011 at 5:02 AM

    Love the peppermint zinnias ~ how adorable. Love Love Love the paper pots. Thank you for the how to. I am definitely going to have to do this. ;-)

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  25. SueannMarch 20, 2011 at 5:23 AM

    What a great idea!! I love this and will definitely be doing this in my garden this year! So cool!
    Hugs and thanks
    SueAnn

    ReplyDelete
  26. La Vie QuotidienneMarch 20, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Great idea Lindy...I have seen them before but never made this way, so easy. Thank you. I love the striped zinnias, I am definately going to look for those seeds.

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  27. Simply BungalowMarch 20, 2011 at 10:57 AM

    Wonderful idea. I love the Zinnias. They are beautiful.

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  28. SnapMarch 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Spring is springing and I love the newspaper pots! what a great idea. i'm a zinnia fan, too ... reminds me of my granny.

    ReplyDelete
  29. EmilyMarch 20, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    Those peppermint zinnias are to die for! I just featured them in a post over on my blog - I can't wait to find some for my own yard. Thank you for sharing them with us!

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  30. StaceyMarch 20, 2011 at 1:26 PM

    That is a fabulous idea!

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  31. Marie C.March 20, 2011 at 3:03 PM

    What a wonderful idea!! I was just starting to think about seeds and what I was going to do (late, I know). I love this!

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  32. KimMarch 20, 2011 at 3:40 PM

    We are planting seeds this weekend and this is AMAZING! Thank you so much for the directions!

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  33. Brenda PruittMarch 20, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Lindy, you have such great ideas!
    Brenda

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  34. Andrea@addicted2tutesMarch 20, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    I love this idea. It will make spring all the more fun! Thanks!

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  35. CindyMarch 20, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    Ok, I'm pretty sure I might die now if i don't have peppermint zinnias! They're precious! and your little paper pots are the greatest!

    Cindy

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  36. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMarch 20, 2011 at 9:03 PM

    Lindy, You are so creative! This is a fabulous idea and one I have to copy. Thanks.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  37. OliviaMarch 20, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    Ohhhhhhhh, peppermint zinnias! Delightful! And your little paper pots too cool. I bet your gardens are gorgeous.
    Hugs,
    Olivia

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  38. Kim @ A Brush of WhimsyMarch 21, 2011 at 1:46 AM

    Zinnias are one of my faves! Thanks for the awesome idea! I'm your neighbor over at Between Naps! :)

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  39. JuliannaMarch 21, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    I'd love for you to link up at Inspire Me Mondays!
    http://singingthreelittlebirds.blogspot.com/2011/03/inspire-me-monday_21.html

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnonymousMarch 21, 2011 at 9:31 AM

    Lindy, great suggestion. I'll have to give this a try. I use peat containers for my seeds, but this is an awesome idea and a great way to reuse paper that I'd just send into the recycling bin anyway.

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  41. CarolynMarch 21, 2011 at 10:56 AM

    What a great idea! I almost bought something similar at the garden store yesterday and am so glad I didn't! Found your blog from BNOTP and am your newest follower.

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  42. TerriMarch 21, 2011 at 11:53 AM

    I made these last year and so easy to just put in the ground. Will be doing it again soon! Great info! Hugs, Terri

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  43. KarieMarch 21, 2011 at 1:17 PM

    What a great idea. I am going to make these. Thanks for sharing. Karie

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  44. Debilou ~ Mississippi MamaMarch 21, 2011 at 2:01 PM

    what a great idea to make pots like that. I dont recall ever seeing any peppermint zinnias.. they are so pretty. I'd love to find some.

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  45. OliveMarch 21, 2011 at 7:57 PM

    This is a fabulous and smart idea. We are about to start sunflowers seed so thanks bunches!

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  46. TiffanyMarch 21, 2011 at 9:17 PM

    Great tip! I'll have to remember this for next year, I've already started my seeds this year. :) I can't wait for my flowers, too!!!

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  47. Angela@the crazyness that is meMarch 21, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Thanks for sharing. Love the idea and nearly bought one of the wooden things that do it for you - now I dont have too!

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  48. NinaMarch 21, 2011 at 11:02 PM

    I'm SO DOING THIS. *nina adds another item on to-do list...

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  49. gertie @ The Old Block HouseMarch 21, 2011 at 11:22 PM

    Wonderful idea. Thank you for sharing!

    We always have a bit of brown paper lurking about leftover from wrapping packages. We'll give it a go with this to see how it works.

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  50. Lakeshore Cottage LivingMarch 21, 2011 at 11:32 PM

    Thank you for this tutorial! I loved it. Your peppermint zinnias are so pretty. Happy gardening!

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  51. Char @ Crap I've MadeMarch 21, 2011 at 11:48 PM

    I kind of want to get the paper again, just so I can do this.

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  52. AnonymousMarch 22, 2011 at 7:24 AM

    Now I am thinking this would be a great Easter gift for my family members coming for Easter dinner. Hopefully if I start right now they will be ready to give Easter day. I adore this idea and thank you for sharing. A new follower here. xo
    P.S. And I saved my candy striped zinnia seeds from last year. Love them.

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  53. Kristen: Turning a House Into a HomeMarch 22, 2011 at 9:07 AM

    I love when people are creative and upcycle! I used toilet paper and paper towel tubes for my seedlings this year.

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  54. JulesMarch 22, 2011 at 10:05 AM

    What a great idea! I've already got little starters, but most of them are ready for their individual pots and I've been thinking about how I would go about it this year. Usually I by the eco friendly pots you can burry, but your idea would save me some money! So glad I have thrown my newspapers out yet! Thanks for sharing!

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  55. JulesMarch 22, 2011 at 10:07 AM

    @Jules
    I meant to say "so glad I HAVEN'T thrown my newspapers away."

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  56. UnknownMarch 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    AWESOME!!! I'm totally going to do this with my kids this week!! Thanks for the great tutorial!!

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  57. Jennifer JuniperMarch 22, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    I'm totally doing this!!! Great idea and money saver :)

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  58. Ever - The red house by the lakeMarch 22, 2011 at 11:43 AM

    That is so clever!!

    I wish I had seen this just one week earlier. But I will definitely remember it for next year!

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  59. bjMarch 22, 2011 at 6:46 PM

    That's a fabulous idea. I've never started flowers from seeds in the house. I'll give it a try next year.

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  60. High Street CottageMarch 22, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    Lindy these are wonderful, I love true Gardner's tips, meaning things that seem as though they've been around forever, but always look so charming. Love the lamp!

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  61. Yvonne @ StoneGableMarch 22, 2011 at 8:22 PM

    Glorious idea! I'm using this one!
    Yvonne

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  62. Kelsie from Our Country Home and Studio PhotographyMarch 22, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Love this idea...hubby and I have been discussing various ways to go about getting A LOT of pots cheaply to do our seedlings...This is perfect...Thank you for sharing

    Blessings Kelsie

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  63. Lisa {grey luster girl}March 23, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Can't wait to try this!

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  64. Lauren - My Wonderfully MadeMarch 23, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Man this is great! I just ALMOST bought some peat pots at WMart -- so glad I didn't! Thanks so much!

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  65. JennMarch 23, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Love it! way to spread the recycling love. Great idea.

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  66. Katie BulmerMarch 23, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    Ohh great idea! I am a seed starting junkie right now too. I love those peppermint zinnas! Let me know if you ever want to do a seed swap. Those are gorgeous!

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  67. stefanieMarch 23, 2011 at 11:45 AM

    what a fabulous idea!!

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  68. SachikoMarch 23, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    What a great idea! Thank you for sharing!

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  69. Leslie {Goodbye, house. Hello, home!}March 23, 2011 at 4:41 PM

    PERFECT!
    So nice to know there is a "green" way to plant! I do I do I do like this post! :)

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  70. Sherry @ No Minimalist HereMarch 23, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    Hi Lindy, Thanks for sharing this great idea at my party. A friend mentioned to me today that she saw this post and loved the idea. She is making these for her sisters and putting them in a Easter basket.
    Hugs,
    Sherry

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  71. Chari at Happy To DesignMarch 24, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Hi Lindy...

    What a great idea, my friend! Thank you for the tutorial on how to make these earth friendly seed pots! They really are quick and easy! Girlfriend, I love your peppermint zinnias...sooo pretty!

    Warmest spring wishes,
    Chari @Happy To Design

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  72. Jane @ Jane's Junk and TreasuresMarch 24, 2011 at 12:30 PM

    Lindy,
    That is a great idea
    I just got a ton of Zinnia seeds!!
    Come on spring!

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  73. UnknownMarch 25, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    You are so resourceful!

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  74. Plush Possum StudioMarch 25, 2011 at 2:14 PM

    What a clever tutorial! We are really jazzed at all the fine quality products you listed, including that VOC-free paint, Mythic. Don't have room for another lamp! But we liked the tutorial on how to decorate one of our existing ones.
    So Thank You!
    Rose & Studio Friends

    ReplyDelete
  75. KJ@letsgoflyakiteMarch 25, 2011 at 8:36 PM

    Excellent post and idea. Love this.

    found you via the weekend wrap up.

    ReplyDelete
  76. crystalMarch 25, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    What an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing! Found your blog on TT&J weekend party.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Red Headed Step ChildMarch 26, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Great tute and I LOVE ZINNIAS! They are so cheerful, easy to grow, and bloom for so long! I live in Ga, so it's super hot here. Zinnias grow really well. I started seeds a few weeks back, in seed starters as usual. Will do this next year though.

    I started candy cane zinnias, and tequila lime. The lime ones aren't coming up as well. Have you experienced this? What varieties work best for you?

    Thanks for any feedback that you may have!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Funky Junk InteriorsMarch 27, 2011 at 12:49 AM

    This is so clever, Lindy! They're not only organic but really neat to look at. And something anyone has the goods to create.

    I've featured this on SNS #74 FJI Facebook. :)

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Funky-Junk-Interiors/175378011140#!/photo.php?fbid=10150168751021141&set=a.192514281140.164586.175378011140&theater

    Donna

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  79. RebeccaMarch 27, 2011 at 8:41 AM

    I wish I had a green thumb. I attempt gardening and it just doesn't turn out well for the poor plants. I give them a fighting chance with someone else now. But I love this resourceful idea.

    ReplyDelete
  80. UnknownMarch 27, 2011 at 4:14 PM

    Not only are those cute to look at, they are a great idea! I'm featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. KathyMarch 29, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    Just wanted to show you my attempt at making your pots. Love the idea and I plan on making many more.

    http://kasbn07.blogspot.com/2011/03/recycled-newspaper-pots.html

    ReplyDelete
  82. alisonMarch 29, 2011 at 9:56 AM

    How PERFECT for this time of year!! This turned out great, I am featuring it as part of my Idea List today!

    www.StashHappy.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. rkramadhApril 5, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    I thoroughly enjoy your sense of humor and of course your amazing talent!

    ReplyDelete
  84. TonyaApril 10, 2011 at 12:19 AM

    Okay, so your head is just completely LOADED with great ideas!!! Where do you come up with all this stuff? You must be genius. Thanks for sharing...yet again!!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  85. Nancy HoodApril 26, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    You know how I love love love sharing you with my readers. And I do hope some of them have become followers of yours! Here's the lates shout out!!

    http://www.tvguide.com/News/VIDEO-Glee-Skit-1027073.aspx

    ReplyDelete
  86. KatieQMay 1, 2011 at 3:09 PM

    I discovered your blog from My Repurposed Life. I've always wanted to try newspaper pots to plant our seedlings. Thank you for such a complete tutorial. i can't wait to try it.

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  87. Kiwi The KreatorMay 2, 2011 at 12:30 AM

    Thanx for this amazing tutorial!!!

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  88. BeckyMay 2, 2011 at 9:22 PM

    I love this idea!

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  89. Kelly@TearingUpHousesMay 27, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    great idea. i'll have to try this...

    kelly

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  90. vijiJune 6, 2011 at 8:26 AM

    Hi lindy
    this is a great idea... I love it. Now I found a use for my son's shuttle cock containers....I can cut it into three pieces and plant my seeds...

    ReplyDelete

I'm excited you're leaving a comment. I can't wait to read it...L.