DIY seed tape: A simple gardening solution for Africa
What's the story
Making your own seed tape is a cheap and super easy way for gardeners in Africa to plant seeds at the perfect spacing without any waste.
This DIY method doesn't just save cash but also boosts germination rates and reduces the need for thinning out seedlings later.
With basic stuff lying around at home, anyone can create a custom seed tape for their garden!
Basics
Utilizing common household items
All you need to get started is some toilet paper, flour, water, and the seeds you want to plant.
The flour and water are combined to make a paste that serves as a glue for the seeds on the toilet paper.
This technique is especially beneficial for tiny seeds, which can be challenging to manage and space properly when sowing directly into the ground.
Paste making
Crafting the perfect seed paste
To make successful seed tape, combine one part flour with three parts water until you achieve the perfect paste consistency.
Using a paintbrush or your finger, apply dabs of this paste onto toilet paper at intervals appropriate for your chosen seeds.
This strategic spacing eliminates competition, ensuring each plant has plenty of room to flourish.
Planting guide
Precise planting with homemade tapes
When your seed tape is dry and ready, it's time to plant.
Simply lay the tape on the soil surface of your garden bed or container, lightly cover with soil, and water gently.
The toilet paper will naturally decompose in the soil, leaving your seeds perfectly spaced.
This method significantly reduces planting time and improves sowing accuracy compared to traditional techniques.
Irrigation tips
Watering wisely
When it comes to homemade seed tapes, watering is key for germination.
Keep them moist but don't drown them! Too much water can cause the seeds to rot before they even get a chance to sprout.
A light misting every day (or as often as needed depending on the weather) should be enough until you start seeing some germination action.
Germination boost
Maximizing germination rates
To further increase germination success, you can pre-soak larger seeds before placing them onto your homemade tapes.
Soaking seeds overnight helps to soften hard outer shells and jumpstart the germination process once planted in soil.
Note: Not all seeds should be pre-soaked, so it's important to research the needs of your specific plants.