Easy Steps to Making Your Own Seed Paper

We all know what seeds are. Often tiny, they sometimes produce large plants when planted and cared for properly.

And we all know what seeding means when it comes to sports tournaments. The top seeds are given the easiest path to the final round, while the bottom seeds have the most difficult route.

But not all of us know what seed paper is. Or perhaps we've forgotten because we haven't heard it mentioned for a long time.

Today I want to tell you all about seed paper. As well as how it might benefit your emergency food supply as it produces great-tasting and nutritious survival food in your garden.

One and done is appealing, but… 

There is nothing mysterious about seed paper. It is literally a handmade paper that has been embedded with seeds.

The paper, which you can embed into your soil, will decompose, leaving the seeds to sprout naturally in their time. The paper won't damage your soil. In fact, it will provide valuable compost.

When you purchase ready-made seed paper, it usually includes sturdy seeds including tomato, carrot, basil, mustard, etc. 

Embedding a purchased sheet of seed paper in the soil is a faster process than planting individual seeds. It's more or less a one-and-done process that appeals to some people. But there are a couple of drawbacks associated with it.

Planting individual seeds a challenge

Let's take a look at them before I tell you how to make your own seed paper in order to give you more control over your garden.

The question sure to arise is, why bother with seed paper? Why not just plant whatever seeds you want to plant and leave it at that?

Well, you certainly can, and many people prefer that. But that method can sometimes be challenging. Such as when your seeds are very similar in color to your soil and you can't tell if you planted enough or too many.

And sometimes the smaller seeds are difficult to plant at a proper distance from each other. When too close, seedlings will compete for moisture and nutrition. When too far apart, space is wasted. Another issue is when you're not sure what the proper depth is for seed planting.

DIY means customization

But probably the biggest drawback to purchasing seed paper is that you're locked into the specific seeds being offered. 

Those seeds are probably fine and will produce good-tasting food that you and your family can enjoy. But the sheets might include seeds for some food your family doesn't necessarily enjoy. And not include some you would like to have.

And that brings us to our DIY method of seed planting, which is seed paper creation. Yes, it's more work, but the resulting food will be customized to the needs of you and your family.

That in and of itself makes it worthwhile to give seed paper making a try. What do you have to lose other than some time learning a new skill?

Start gathering materials

If you decide you want to make your own seed paper, the first thing you should do is gather the materials you'll need. Keep in mind you won't be able to start making your seed paper today because you'll need to soak some paper overnight. 

Start with a bunch of shredded paper. If you have a shredder, that would be ideal. If not, just tear pieces of paper into very thin strips. It's OK if the paper has already been used for something.

Next, get a mesh screen that is slightly larger than the seed paper you wish to make. Such as an old window screen. Another option is attaching mesh to an empty frame.

Then get a blender or a food processor. I'm going to take a very brief timeout here to let you know about the best blender on the market. Then we'll get back to these materials. 

Patriot Power Blender

The downside to most blenders is that they're bulky and noisy. They take up too much counter space. And they're not very portable. But not the Patriot Power Blender. 

This cordless, compact, portable blender will blend whatever you put it in – including soaked, shredded paper. Of course, the blender is best known for crushing ice and making smoothies in seven seconds flat. But hey, it's versatile.

Weighing only one pound and standing just 10 inches tall, it's the perfect, tuck-out-of-sight blender. You can make healthy smoothies, sauces, dressings, and even baby food.

This rechargeable mini-blender never needs batteries. It's the perfect size to take anywhere. Like the gym, the office, or on vacation.

Claim our best deal now of four Patriot Power Blenders and you'll get a free health bonus bundle. Including Patriot Power Protein and Patriot Power Greens. As well as smoothie recipes and a $20 certificate. Plus free shipping and handling. There's also a payment plan available. Here's how to order…

More materials you'll need

Back to the materials for seed paper making…

You will need a large bucket or a sink. It should be big enough to dip your mesh screen into.

A pressing board is next. It can be made of plastic or wood or any hard material, but it has to be large enough to cover your mesh screen. 

Then grab some measuring cups, towels, a large bowl, a rolling pin, and the seeds you've decided to include in your seed paper.

What shape and size should your seed paper be? That depends on the size of your garden. Smaller, disk-shaped paper might be best for a small garden, while longer strips would be better for a larger garden.  

Leading up to the screening process

OK, now we're almost ready to start making seed paper. I say "almost" because you need to soak your shredded paper overnight in a large bowl filled with warm water.

The next day, measure how much soaked shredded paper you pour into your blender and then place double that amount of water in with it. An optional step is adding a few ingredients such as coffee grounds, eggshells, and used tea leaves.

Turn on your blender and keep it going until you have a thick, soup-like substance. Place this pulp into your large bucket or sink and add your seeds. Stir it until the seeds are distributed evenly.  

Next, dip one side of your mesh screen into the bucket or sink, then turn it over so you have a nice layer of pulp. You'll probably have to tilt the screen to make the pulp as even as possible.

Press, flatten, wait, plant, & enjoy

Now, lift the screen out and let it drain for a few minutes. Push down on it with your pressing board, which should remove excess moisture.

Take your towels and lay them on a flat surface. Turn the screen over so your seed paper falls on the towels. Do the same thing over other towels until you've depleted your pulp. 

It the pulp appears lumpy on any of the towels, flatten it with your rolling pin. Leave your seed paper to dry for at least 24 hours. If you're impatient like me, you might want to utilize a hair dryer to speed up the process. 

Finally, place your seed paper in your garden soil, then add about one-eighth of an inch of soil on top. This next part is easy: watch your plants grow. Tend to them just as you would any other plant in your garden.

I have a feeling you're going to have a lot of fun with this. Please let me know how it goes and include some images. Happy seed paper making!