Tiny seeds such as carrots and lettuce can be hard to see and space. Seed tape holds them at the spacing on the packet, then the lightweight paper breaks down in damp soil.
You Will Need
- Lightweight, plain paper such as single-ply toilet tissue or a strip of paper towel
- White flour and cool water
- A small bowl and cotton swab or fine paintbrush
- Ruler and pencil
- A packet of small seeds
Make the Tape
- Tear the paper into a manageable strip. Fold it lengthwise, then open it flat again.
- Read the packet and mark dots along one half at the final spacing recommended for the plants.
- Mix about two parts flour with one part cool water to make a thick paste. No cooking is needed.
- Dab a very small spot of paste on each pencil mark and place one seed on it.
- Fold the empty half of the paper over the seeds and press gently.
- Let the tape dry completely. Label it with the plant, variety, and year before rolling it loosely for storage.
Plant the Tape
Make a shallow row at the time recommended on the packet. Unroll the tape, cover it to the packet's planting depth, and water gently. Keep the seedbed evenly moist while the seeds germinate, but do not flood it.
The old page also included a boiled cornstarch “seed goop” in a cut plastic bag. Seed tape does the same job without a stove, hot gel, or scissors in the garden.