Loo Rolls?

[Mustard]

Hi, new shoot here.

I've seen quite a lot of posts here recommmending using loo rolls to start off seedlings.
Could someone give me more details or direct me to a thread with more info. Reckon it could save me a few bob

Thanks

[Capsid]

It's quite simple, collect loo rolls, stand on end in tray and fill with compost. Sow seed in each roll and wait, thin out to one strong seedling per tube, plant out with tube when seedling is established. The tube will rot down and therefore allows the seedling to be minimally disrupted.

This method is used for parsnips usually as the seed is difficult to get to germinate and it aids growth of the tap root.

[Mustard]

OK thanks very much, I take it it will work for most plants, not just parsnips (don't like them )
Is there anything you shouldn't grow in them?

[TEB]

I also give them a quick blast in the microwave, heard that its supposed to kill any fungus in the glue, I wouldn't use them for shallow rooted crops, but for things like pea and beans they are ideal.
PS I place a used teabag at the bottom, to help retain the the soil and provide a reservoir of moisture (dont know if it works)

[taff]

I wouldn't use them for things with tiny seeds either, or for carrots/lettuce.

[IgglePiggle]

I find you can use them for anything, as they soon rot down.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Sweetpeas, Peas and Beans all do well in loo rolls, as they get-away best with long roots that you haven't disturbed during planting out. As IgglePiggle says, the beauty of loo rolls is they rot down quickly once they are in the ground so you don't have to un-pot your seedlings first.

[oldie]

I was also advised to give them a quick blast in the microwave first.
Have used them for most veg. but found cabbages and cauliflower all died shortly after shoots appeared. May have been damping off but I won't use them for brassica again.

[Eco-Chic]

PS I place a used teabag at the bottom, to help retain the the soil and provide a reservoir of moisture (dont know if it works)

What a marvellous idea. Thanks very much

[Iamhanuman]

Hi There Mustard
Have a look at this

and this

Good Luck and keep us posted!

[Iamhanuman]

oh and does the tea bag thing have any scientific thing to it?
i like the idea!! and we sure do have a lot of them

[TEB]

Not that I know off, put them in mainly to stop the soil falling out the bottom, on one US forum someome said that it can deter root maggot.

[Elliesmummy]

i've been collecting them for months, heard about it off Alan Titchmarsh.
think it's a great idea but did know aboout the microwave bit though thanks.