Just when I thought cardboard couldn’t get any more useful in growing food, I stumbled upon a YouTube video of a man making biodegradable pots from cardboard boxes.

I must say, this never before occurred to me. Now that I’ve tested it myself, there’s no going back!

Biodegradable pots are handy for plants with sensitive roots which resent being disturbed. This season, gourds are the ideal candidate for my latest experiment.

After rescuing several cardboard boxes from the recycling bin, I cut them into strips before soaking them in water. With just a few minutes of soaking, the cardboard becomes extremely pliable & can be rolled around the container mold of your choice (I chose primarily Solo cups for flexibility within my established system).

12-24hrs of sun drying & the cardboard pots are firm & ready for use.

The pots hold up remarkably well, even with regular watering. The result is happy, healthy plants.

When ready for transplant, the plant & the cardboard pot go directly into the Earth.

The cardboard will degrade with time, allowing the plant to spread its roots at will. Meanwhile, the cardboard retains moisture for my plant’s roots despite the sandy conditions & once it breaks down, the pot will deposit its carbon in the soil. I can’t speak highly enough about making cardboard pots. Diverting waste, making FREE pots, being able to grow sensitive rooted yet strong seedlings indoors, water retention, feeding the soil & microbes. It’s a win all around! You should try it for yourself!