Gardening with Kids: DIY Seed Tape

This DIY seed tape makes a fabulous activity addition to plant lifecycle science units, school or community gardening clubs, or even garden themed birthday parties!

Children love being involved in growing things – from bright, cheery flowers to delicious fruits and vegetables or aromatic herbs. For kids, there is nothing quite like the excitement of seeing a tiny seedling poke through the soil or the anticipation of waiting for the first strawberry of the season to ripen. And gardening is a wonderful motivator for getting children to spend more time outdoors.

Not sure what to plant in your garden? Check out our list of Safe Plants for Play Spaces.

DIY Seed Tape Tutorial

You will need:

• Thin, unbleached paper, like newsprint. We re-purposed a set of envelopes made from recycled paper
• Pencils or crayons (optional)
• Thick flour and water paste (you won’t need much)
• Glue brush
• A packet of seeds of your choice – we used sunflower seeds
• String, twine or embroidery thread (optional)

To make:

1. Cut your paper into strips approximately 2 centimetres/1 inch wide.
2. If making your seed tape as a gift, decorate your paper strips with pencil or crayon.

3. Use the flour and water paste to glue your strips together, making one long length.
4. Check your packet of seeds to find out the correct spacing for planting. Place a dab of paste along the strip for each seed, according to the recommended spacing. Then place one seed on each spot of paste. Leave to dry.

5. If giving your seed tape as a gift, make a small gift tag that includes the planting instructions for your seeds. Gently fold your tape and attach your gift tag with thread. Seed tape can be easy stored in an envelope or plastic, press seal bag.

To plant your seed tape: Dig a shallow trench and lightly water. Lay your seed tape along the trench and cover with a little soil. Gently water. Now wait and watch for your seeds to sprout and your plants to grow!