Seed tape is readily available wherever seeds are sold. The problem is that it is only available with a few selective varieties. It is not available in the varieties that I like to grow. So, using packages of seeds that I have purchased and a few things that I have around the house I can make my own seed tape.
Seed tape is a useful tool when planting very small seeds like carrots and lettuce. It is difficult to space these small seeds when planting them in the garden. Using seed tape makes the spacing of these seeds very easy.
Start with a length of 2 ply toilet tissue. My garden beds are about 3 feet in width so I chose to make the tapes 34 inches long.
Separate the tissue into two pieces.
Mix about 1/4 cup all purpose flour with a bit of water to make a paste.
Using a small paint brush or skewer, dab the paste onto the paper.
Look on the back of the seed package. There will be information about how far apart the seeds should be placed. Different plants have different space requirements. Follow the directions provided.
Place the seeds onto the dabs of flour paste. I used tweezers.
Using a spray bottle. Gently mist the tissue. Do not make it too wet or the tissue will tear.
Fold the dampened tissue in thirds
Press tissue with your hands to firmly adhere the seeds to the damp paper. Let the tissue dry. Gently fold and store in a dry container. Make sure to mark the container with the variety name.
Keep your seeds in a safe place until planting day. I still have a few weeks to wait. Some seeds like warm soil in which to germinate like beans, corn, tomatoes and cucumbers. Other seeds tolerate colder soil like lettuce, carrots, and kale.
I made seed tape with lettuce, carrot and kale seeds. More to come at planting time. Stay tuned.
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