how to make DIY seed tape?

Question

I want to plant basic things like carrots, radishes, lettuce, and many more. People have been buying there seeds but in a seed tape form. How could I make my own here at home? What is to not be used for while doing something like this?

Answer 1

A slightly abbreviated version of advice (with pictures) at instructables:

Step 1: Materials

• Any kind of Seeds
• Zip lock Baggies or plastic containers - each one marked for what type of seed tape it is in it
• 1 Tbl Corn Starch
• 1 C Cold Water
• Paper Towels, cut in 1 1/2 - 2 inch Strips and folded in half
• Any squeeze type bottle, (you can wash and use an empty mustard or ketchup bottle)
• A drop of food coloring (optional)

Step 2: Prepare Your 'Seed Glue' Dissolve Cornstarch in Water over a medium heat until it boils and thickens. Mixture should look opaque and cling slightly to a fork before dripping off.

Let it cool and transfer into squeeze bottle add 1 drop of food coloring and shake the bottle to make your 'Glue Dots' easier to see.

Step 3: Prepare Your 'Seed Tape'

Lay out Paper Towel Strips, and place dots across one side of the fold with the cornstarch mixture spacing the dots according to the planting directions of the Seed Packets.

I am using Blanket Flower Seeds for this project.

Step 4: Add Your Seeds

Place seeds on top of the dots, fold other half of paper towel on top and let it dry completely.

Store in a plastic bag or container until you are ready to plant. (I like to keep mine in the bottom drawer of the fridge).

Drop the seed packet with instructions in with your seed tapes for future reference.

And an alternative but very similar description (using toilet rather than kitchen paper) at: diy network.

To be avoided are glue that does not dissolve in water and paper that does not fall apart easily (is not tissue) or is high in chlorine - see ChasingGreen.org.

Seed tape might be a way to shift a little time required for gardening from a busy season to a quiet one.