Keep your toilet paper rolls if you are a gardener. This is the reason

A waterproof tray or shallow container

Steps:

1. Cut and Fold the Bottom
   Cut 4 small slits (about 1 inch long) evenly spaced on one end of the roll. Fold the flaps inward to create a bottom so soil doesn’t fall out. It’ll look like a little box.
2. Fill with Soil
   Place your rolls upright in a shallow tray or dish to keep them steady. Fill each one with seed-starting mix or moist potting soil, leaving about ½ inch at the top.
3. Plant Your Seeds
   Follow the instructions on your seed packet to plant the seeds at the right depth. Cover lightly with soil if needed and mist with water.
4. Water and Wait
   Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Place the tray in a sunny window or under grow lights. Once your seedlings develop strong roots and a couple of true leaves, they’re ready to be planted outdoors.
5. Transplant Into the Garden
   When the weather is right, plant the entire roll directly into your garden bed or container. Water well after transplanting. The roll will begin to break down in the soil, and the roots will continue growing outward.

🌼 Bonus Uses for Toilet Paper Rolls in the Garden:

• Compost Material: Shred rolls and add them to your compost pile. They’re a good “brown” carbon-rich material that helps balance out kitchen scraps and other “greens.”
• Pest Collars: Slice a roll down the side and wrap it around the base of a young plant to protect it from cutworms or slugs. It acts like a mini barrier while still allowing airflow.
• Garden Markers: Flatten a roll and cut it into strips. Write the name of each plant or variety with a marker and stick it in the soil as a biodegradable garden tag.

🌿 Final Thoughts

If you’ve been throwing out your toilet paper rolls, it’s time to rethink your routine. These simple cardboard tubes are not only eco-friendly but incredibly useful in the garden. They help you start seeds more efficiently, reduce transplant shock, and keep plastic waste out of your garden beds.

So the next time you finish a roll of toilet paper, don’t toss it in the bin — save it for your garden. Your plants (and your wallet) will thank you.

Want a printable guide or step-by-step photo instructions?