Don't Throw Away Trader Joe's Bags: Use Them As A Sustainable Seed Starter

The spring is the perfect time of year for seed starter projects, which help seeds germinate and sprout in a more controlled environment before they're transplanted outdoors. There are a number of seed starter kits available online that include helpful supplies like labels, growing trays, and seeding tools for less than $20. But if you want to avoid buying a kit or are searching for more sustainable methods, you could consider creating a seed snail using supplies you already have on hand. The term "seed snail" may sound like a garden pest, but it's actually the  method of sowing seeds directly onto a long strip of fabric or other material and rolling it into a spiral shape.

Trader Joe's is known for its popular plant section, but an unexpected gardening tool you can use after a trip to Trader Joe's is their iconic paper bags. The grocery store chain eliminated single-use plastic bags and switched to paper in 2019 in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint. You can take Trader Joe's eco-friendly initiatives a step further by using their sustainable and recyclable paper bags to create seed snail starters this spring.

To try the seed snail rolling technique, cut your Trader Joe's bags into long, wide strips, lay the strips flat, and layer soil on top. From there, you can add your seeds and carefully roll the strips up in a spiral shape. Seed snails are ideal for gardeners who are tight on space because you can grow multiple seedlings in about a square foot. Seed snails also encourage sprouts to grow their roots downwards instead of circling into a knot in a seed starter tray. Because the roots grow downward, you'll likely have an easier time transplanting your sprouts later on.

Once you've assembled your seed snails, place them in a sunny spot like a windowsill, sunroom, or balcony. You should water your seed starter from the top and watch for the first sprouts to appear. If you use a Trader Joe's bag for your seed snail, be sure to keep an eye on it, since the frequent watering could cause the bag to disintegrate over time. Put your seed snail on top of a drainage mat to prevent water from pooling around the bottom of the bag. If you notice the bag beginning to fall apart, you can carefully unroll your seed snail, separate and transfer the sprouts to a new bag, and roll it back up, or transfer the sturdier seedlings to a tray.