Make seed tape
Make seed tape by spacing seeds on strips of biodegradable paper, using flour paste to stick them, then plant and water to grow a garden.
About this activity
Make seed tape by spacing seeds on strips of biodegradable paper, using flour paste to stick them, then plant and water to grow a garden.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Gather all the materials on a clean table so everything is ready.
- 2
Step 2
Make a flour paste by stirring 1 tablespoon of flour with 2 tablespoons of water in the small bowl until smooth.
- 3
Step 3
Cut the biodegradable paper into strips about 1 inch wide and 8 to 12 inches long using scissors.
- 4
Step 4
Use the ruler or pencil to make light marks along a strip about 1 to 2 inches apart where each seed will go.
- 5
Step 5
Dab a small dot of flour paste on each pencil mark using the spoon to make sticky spots.
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Step 6
Place one seed on each paste dot so the seeds are spaced evenly.
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Step 7
Put a tiny dot of paste over each seed to gently stick it to the strip.
- 8
Step 8
Let the seed tape dry flat and undisturbed until the paste feels dry to the touch.
- 9
Step 9
Fill your pot or planting row with potting soil and smooth the top level.
- 10
Step 10
Make a shallow trench about 1 8th to 1 4 inch deep where you want to plant the seed tape.
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Step 11
Lay the dry seed tape into the trench and cover it gently with a thin layer of soil.
- 12
Step 12
Water the planted tape gently so the soil is moist but not flooded.
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Step 13
Share a photo and a short story about your finished seed tape and planting on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you make seed tape with kids?
To make seed tape, cut biodegradable paper into 1–2 inch strips. Mix a simple flour paste (1 part flour to 2 parts water) until smooth. Lay a strip on wax paper, space seeds along it following the seed packet spacing, and dab a bit of paste under each seed to stick. Let strips dry, then plant in a shallow trench at the packet’s depth, cover lightly, label, and water gently. Supervise young children during cutting and planting.
What materials do I need for seed tape?
Gather biodegradable paper (toilet paper or single-ply paper towel), seeds suitable for tape (small seeds like carrots, lettuce, or radish), all-purpose flour, water, a small bowl, spoon, scissors, a ruler or pencil for spacing, wax or parchment paper for drying, a brush or stick to apply paste, a marker for labels, and a watering can. Optional: tweezers for tiny seeds and a tray to keep work tidy.
What ages is seed tape making suitable for?
Seed tape is great for ages 3 and up with adult help. Toddlers (3–5) can place pre-spaced seeds and help paint paste if closely supervised. Children 6–9 can measure spacing, cut strips, and assemble tape with guidance. Ages 10+ can make tapes independently and plant them. Always supervise due to choking hazards from seeds and safe use of scissors and paste preparation.
What are the benefits of making seed tape with kids?
Making seed tape teaches fine motor skills, counting, and following simple science steps while making planting easier by ensuring correct seed spacing. It encourages responsibility as kids water and watch seedlings grow, and promotes patience and a connection to nature. Using biodegradable paper and homemade paste teaches eco-friendly habits, reducing waste and plastic use in the garden.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we can't find biodegradable paper or the flour called for in the paste?
If biodegradable paper is hard to find, use toilet paper or coffee filters cut into 1-inch strips, and if you don't have flour make a quick paste with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water following the same mixing step.
My seeds keep falling off or the paste gets too wet—what should I do during the making and planting steps?
Make the flour paste slightly thicker by adding a little more flour, press a tiny dot of paste over each seed and let the seed tape dry flat and undisturbed until the paste feels dry to the touch before laying it into the 1/8 to 1/4 inch trench to prevent seeds falling off or becoming soggy when watering.
How can I adapt this activity for younger kids or older children doing it more independently?
For preschoolers, pre-cut the biodegradable paper and pre-mark and dab paste dots so they can place seeds, while older kids can use the ruler to make 1–2 inch spacing marks, mix the flour paste themselves, and measure the trench depth when planting.
How can we personalize or extend the seed tape project after making the tapes?
Decorate and label each biodegradable strip with non-toxic markers before adding paste and seeds, and extend the project by keeping a photo-and-growth journal of each planted tape shared on DIY.org as suggested.