Earth Day {Plantable Seed Paper}

We planted Earth Paper Plants on this beautiful spring day.  Paper plants are made from recycled paper embedded with seeds that can be planted to grow plants. To make it, you soak and blend recycled paper into a pulp, mix in seeds, and then press it flat to dry. Once dry, you can plant it, and the paper will decompose while the seeds sprout, leaving no waste.  

How to make plantable seed paper

Materials:

• Scrap paper (office paper, envelopes without plastic, etc.)
• Water
• Wildflower, herb, or other seeds
• Blender (use one you don't mind getting messy)
• Large container or basin
• Mesh screen or a "mold and deckle" (a frame with a screen) 

Steps:

       1. Prepare the paper: 

Tear the scrap paper into small pieces, no larger than one inch. 

1. 2. Soak the paper: 

   Cover the paper with warm water and let it soak for at least two hours, or until it becomes soft and pulpy. 
2. 3. Blend into pulp: 

   Blend the soaked paper and water in a blender until it forms a smooth, pulpy mixture. Use an old blender, as paper can dull the blades. 
3. 4. Mix in seeds: 

   Transfer the pulp to a container, drain any excess water, and mix in your chosen seeds. 
4. 5. Form the sheets: 

   Place the pulp mixture onto a screen and press it flat with your hands or a sponge to remove as much water as possible. You can use a second screen on top to help press the water out and form a new sheet.
5. 6. Dry the paper: 

   Carefully transfer the paper from the screen to a flat, dry surface. Let it dry completely. A food dehydrator can speed up the process.
6. 7. Plant the paper: 

   Once the paper is dry, you can cut it into shapes. Plant it in soil, cover it with a thin layer of soil, and keep it moist until the seeds sprout. The paper will decompose, and you'll be left with a plant