How to make takeout napkin planters

Look at the takeout napkin!! Unlike money, we can save these without a hassle: keep using them, but they always get replenished in the glove compartment!

As a part of my experiment for sustainable gardening, I turned them into planters like toilet roll planters.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make takeout napkin planters.

What you need

• takeout napkins
• takeout containers
• bowl
• water
• baking rack or two chopsticks

How to make takeout napkin planters

Step 1: Gather the items

First of all, gather all the items including some water in a bowl. If you are making the planters on a table or a floor, protect the surface from water.

Step 2: Wet some takeout napkin, Cover & Squeeze

Next, soak a paper napkin in the water. Then get a container and wrap the outside of the container with the wet napkin. Like paper mache, repeat the process. For this experiment, I only used 2 takeout napkins, but 3~4 layers would be better.

When all the layers are done, firmly hold the container and squeeze out excessive water.

Step 3: Dry

When the paper mache is done, dry planters upside down on a baking rack. What you want is something you can rest the planters on, but not directly touching the surface, so the rim can get dry as well.

For this, it took a day to get them completely dry. You can feel and see when they are ready.

Final Step: Separate the takeout napkin planters

Next, separate the planters from the moulds. What you need to do is open up the rim (the top). Then remove the planters off the cups.

Finally, fill them with potting soil and seed. Then spray water and let the seeds germinate. The DIY seed starter kit works for quicker germination!

Mission Accomplished!

As I mentioned earlier, this DIY project was a part of a sustainable gardening experiment. Under Covid-19 restrictions, we sometimes take out food. Even a couple of times a week, which adds up to so many takeout napkins. Some also absorb oil – yes, my favourite french fries! So I simply put them in my compost.

That gave me a hint to come up with the takeout napkin planters. Surprisingly, it’s easy & fun to make. Just paper mache the napkins! You can probably use takeout paper bags, too!

I bet your children would love it, and you will enjoy watching them. While you are making the planters together, your children will inspire you with their curiosity!