DIY Seed Tapes and Mats for Easier Planting

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 97.9 WHAV.

Melinda’s Garden Moments is heard Mon.-Fri. at 7:45 and 10:45 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. on 97.9 WHAV.

Create your own seed mats indoors for easier planting in the garden.

Many of you may have purchased seed tapes or made your own. The tapes make planting small seeds like radishes and carrots much easier. Just lay the tape in the garden row, cover the seeds and water.

If you garden intensely in wide rows or squares, you can still use seed tapes or consider making your own seed mats. Shirley Bovshow, the Foodie gardener, shared this space-saving DIY tip.

Rip a sheet of paper towel to the size of the area you wish to plant. Make a flour and water glue to attach your seeds. Check the back of the seed packet for recommended spacing and mark this on the towel. Place a dab of glue in the spot and set a seed on top. Once it dries, your seed mat is complete. Store it in a cool dry location until you’re ready to plant.

A bit more information: Make your own seed tapes when planting in rows. Just use strips of newspaper or paper towels and attach your seeds at the proper space with flour glue.

Visit Melinda’s website www.melindamyers.com for more gardening tips, how-to videos, podcasts and answers to your garden questions.