Make your own paper seed packets (origami)
16 years ago seed saving, seed storing
When I posted about my adventures in saving onion seeds I mentioned the desire to purchase some small envelopes to hold the seeds. jimmycrackedcorn promptly responded with a comment scolding me for my lack of cheapness. Which I shamefully have to agree completely and took his advice and decided to make some of my own.
I followed the directions from the ICPS Seed Bank though I did do a little improvising to make the packets a little smaller and I got lazy on my folding so I have provided the cheap/lazy directions below.
Step #1: Start with a sheet of paper and fold down the middle, this will allow two seed packets per sheet of paper:
Step #2: Use scissors to cut out the individual triangles which will be come your seed packets
Step #3: Fold one corner one third of the way across the paper
Step #4: Insert the other corner inside the fold and fold flat
Step #5: Open top and pour in seeds, add a label, and fold over top
I like this design since it is easy enough that even I can do it, it naturally has a funnel to pour in/out seeds, and is fairly compact which is good since my pickle jar seed holder in my refrigerator is getting pretty full.
Tags: cheap, garden seeds, outdoor plants, vegetables
16 years ago
These are a great idea. I dont know why I never thought of it. Thanks for posting.David
14.9 years ago
This is just what I was looking for!
I am going to try using brown paper grocery bags for the material, so that will be even more “green.”
14.6 years ago
[…] from treesandshrubs on how to make origami seed packets (very neat frugal idea!) I found a post at The Cheap Vegetable Gardener on how to extend the life of my seeds! I will definitely do this with the seeds I purchased last […]
14.2 years ago
[…] […]
14.2 years ago
[…] to touch put them layered on a paper sack and let them dry for a few weeks until putting them in homemade seed packets until the are ready for next […]
14.1 years ago
[…] a printer or tape or glue, just any paper will do. I like using just a brown paper grocery bag. The Cheap Vegetable Gardener has a tutorial for an origami seed packet. Over at Maggie Wang‘s site she has a tutorial showing how to make an origami packet that is […]
13.8 years ago
The traditional seed packet (one of many links here http://www.downsizer.net/Projects/Growing_food/Origami_seed_packets/) is much more secure than the one you are using. It’s pretty much not going to open or spill ever unless the paper breaks or you purposely open it.
13.7 years ago
[…] […]
13.4 years ago
This one is actually VERY secure if at the last step you do not just fold over the top, but fold the bottom rectangle in half first, and then the triangular flap will tuck into the bottom of the envelope, locking it together very nicely.
13.1 years ago
[…] your while – but the more the merrier. Ways to bag your seeds: Homemade bags Money Envelopes Origami envelopes or Origami envelopes Moneymaker tomatoes will not be accepted. Sorry. If you have these to get rid […]
12.6 years ago
[…] Put the kibosh on overenthusiastic weeds by creating a natural mulch barrier and then reserve extra seeds from this year’s bounty inside convenient brown paper packets. […]
12.3 years ago
[…] Origami Seed Packet Instructions […]
12 years ago
[…] year I did origami seed packets last year which worked out pretty good though I only got two per sheet of paper and didn’t hold […]
12 years ago
[…] I am storing seeds for months at a time my homemade paper seed packets work great, but for seeds I seem to use many times throughout the year I was looking for a new […]
11.4 years ago
I used brown paper bags too to make these. To be even more “green,” you can take the left over scraps of the brown paper bag, shred or cut up and put in your compost pile. They will add “wood ash” to your compost. Better than throwing them away. It you know someone who buys beer, wine or spirits, have them save their bags for you.
11.2 years ago
[…] Bags for putting seeds into (you can make your own out of newspaper here: http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/make-your-own-paper-seed-packets/ […]
11.2 years ago
I see your cheapness and raise you one more: don’t use new paper 😉
(thanks for the recipe. I’d forgotten how to make small envelopes and this was just the reminder I needed)
10.9 years ago
[…] If you are brings LOTS of a particular kind of seed, please break it down into smaller quantities before coming. Coin envelopes work great for this, or you can easily fold your own seed packets, like this. […]
8.8 years ago
[…] coins for Koha – bags for putting seeds into (you can make your own out of newspaper here: http://www.cheapvegetablegardener.com/make-your-own-paper-seed-packets/) – a pen to write what seeds you have on the bags – something for swapping […]