It might be cold and wintery outside, but there are still things you can be doing in your garden, as one expert has shared how you can save old newspaper and turn them into biodegradable plant pots
Alice Sjoberg Social News Reporter
15:28, 28 Jan 2026
Save old newspapers as they can be used to make your own plant pots (stock image)(Image: Big Cheese Photo via Getty Images)
Home gardeners are being encouraged to hold onto old newspapers and cardboard, as these materials can help get your garden blooms flourishing before it’s time to plant them outdoors.
Once you’ve finished reading a newspaper, most folk will chuck it in the recycling before the next edition arrives, as it’s typically something you only read once. The same applies to cardboard, which generally gets recycled after fulfilling its original function. However, one gardener called Simon Akeroyd has encouraged people to save these items, as they can provide an excellent method for getting your plant seedlings thriving before it’s time to move them outside. And you can begin doing this right now.
Whilst it might appear somewhat premature to start considering springtime gardening, Simon has revealed how you can begin preparing things now, even in January.
Using his TikTok account, where he boasts over 810,800 followers, Simon proceeded to demonstrate how you can transform these newspapers or cardboard sheets into plant containers, using items you probably already have at home.
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In his clip, Simon was observed dampening strips of cardboard or newspaper in some water before wrapping it around a broom handle. He then used the moistened material to shape it around the broom.
Once you’ve managed to wrap it around the broom for several layers, Simon continued to create a watery adhesive by combining flour and water in a bowl until a white, liquid mixture formed.
Then simply coat the cardboard or newspaper with this adhesive. Simon did this using a paintbrush. Once it’s smothered in the glue, just pop the broom out on your porch to dry.
“When fully dry, carefully twist the cardboard or newspaper off the handle,” Simon demonstrated as he showed himself doing it in the clip.
Once it’s removed from the broom shaft, slice it into smaller portions, roughly 10 cm in height, using scissors or a blade. You’ll now have crafted your own homemade plant pots!
Simon proceeded to arrange his containers onto a tray, before stuffing each one with compost prior to planting your seeds.
Whilst it may appear premature to begin planting seeds in January, Simon revealed that sweet peas can be sown right now in January. Otherwise, you can simply store your plant containers until the weather warms up before you begin planting.
When you plant, ensure you pop one seed per container, unless specified otherwise, before topping it with additional compost. Then just position it on a bright windowsill to sprout.
He continued to clarify in his post’s caption that if you’re pressed for time, you can alternatively use empty cardboard loo rolls to get the same outcome. However, if you need loads of them, you could be cutting it close, unless you’ve been collecting them throughout the year.
“Enjoy your biodegradable, free flower pots,” Simon penned at the conclusion of his clip.
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