Thursday 1 February 2024

27 ECO-FRIENDLY TREE PLANTING-BAG ALTERNATIVES

Embark on an eco-conscious tree-planting journey with 27 innovative ways of raising seedling using biodegradable containers. Following my previous article on the ban on using polythene planting bags, I have gathered alternative cheaper ways of raising seedlings; ranging from Tissue Paper Roll Planting Bags to Biodegradable Fabric Pouches. Here you are to explore sustainable and creative methods for supporting tree growth while minimizing environmental impact in the face of climate change. Let us do this...

1. Biodegradable Fabric Pouches:

  • Get the biodegradable sheet from the shopping bags (used in Kenya currently after the ban on plastics)
  • Cut the fabric into rectangular shapes.
  • Fold and stitch the sides to create pouches.
  • Fill with a mixture of soil and compost.
  • Plant the tree seedling and nurture sustainable growth
  • You can also purchase readymade ones from suppliers. 
  • Mind the gauge. Go for heavy gauge for durability

2. Used Milk Pack Containers:

  • Rinse and clean used milk packs thoroughly.
  • Cut them into suitable shapes for planting bags.
  • Create drainage holes at the bottom.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

3. Banana Stalk Tree Seedling Holders:

  • Cut the banana stalk into cylindrical sections.
  • Scoop out the pith, leaving a sturdy outer shell.
  • Add soil and plant the tree seedling.
  • Banana stalks can also be used as garden to provide natural moisture retention.

4. Bamboo Stem Planting Tubes:

  • Cut bamboo stems into segments, ensuring one end is closed.
  • Make drainage holes at the other end.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.
  • Bamboo provides a durable and biodegradable option.

5. Reed Planting Bags:

  • Bundle reeds together to form a planting bag shape.
  • Secure the ends with natural twine or biodegradable rope.
  • Ensure the structure is stable.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

6 Newspaper Seedling Pots:

  • Roll newspaper sheets around a cylindrical object to form pots.
  • Secure the ends with tape or twine.
  • Place them in a tray for stability.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

7. Coconut Coir Pouches:

  • Cut coconut coir mats into pouch shapes.
  • Stitch or secure the edges to create a pouch.
  • Coconut coir is a natural fiber that is biodegradable.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

8. Cardboard Box Planters:

  • Cut cardboard boxes into smaller, manageable sizes.
  • Reinforce the sides for stability using sticks.
  • Add a layer of compostable material inside.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

9. Egg Carton Planting Cups:

  • Use empty egg cartons as small planting containers.
  • Fill each section with soil.
  • Plant one seedling per section.
  • Egg cartons are biodegradable and provide individual compartments.

10. Fabric Planting Bags:

  • Repurpose old fabric or burlap into planting bags.
  • Sew or secure the edges to create sturdy bags.
  • Ensure proper drainage by adding gravel at the bottom.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

11. Clay Pots with Newspaper Liners:

  • Line clay pots with newspaper to enhance biodegradability.
  • Place a layer of stones at the bottom for drainage.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.
  • This combination offers a traditional yet eco-friendly option.

12. Jute Bag Tree Seedling Holders:

  • Cut jute bags into cylindrical shapes.
  • Stitch or secure the ends to create planting containers.
  • Jute is a natural and biodegradable material.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

13. Cornstarch-based Biodegradable Pots:

  • Purchase or create pots made from cornstarch-based biodegradable material.
  • These pots naturally decompose over time.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

14. Wood Shavings and Wax Cups:

  • Use discarded wax-coated cups or containers.
  • Mix with wood shavings to create a planting mix.
  • The wax provides water resistance while wood shavings enhance aeration.
  • Plant the tree seedling directly into this mixture.

15. Recycled Paperboard Tubes:

  • Collect used paperboard 
  • Cut them into smaller segments.
  • Roll to form a tube
  • Seal one end with biodegradable glue.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.


16. Seagrass Planting Baskets:

  • Repurpose seagrass baskets into planting containers.
  • Line the baskets with natural fabric to hold soil.
  • Seagrass adds a unique texture and is biodegradable.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

17. Hemp Fiber Tree Planters:

  • Utilize hemp fiber to create planting pots.
  • Hemp is biodegradable and eco-friendly.
  • Mold the fiber into pot shapes and secure the edges.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

18. Moss-Covered Planting Spheres:

  • Form spheres using a mixture of moss and natural binding materials.
  • These provide a unique and visually appealing planting option.
  • Fill with a suitable planting mix and plant the tree seedling.

19. Paper Mache Planting Bowls:

  • Craft planting bowls using paper mache techniques.
  • Ensure they are well-sealed to hold soil.
  • Decorate with natural dyes or leave them plain.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

20. Citrus Peels as Planting Containers:

  • Use hollowed-out citrus peels as small, biodegradable planting containers.
  • The natural citrus oils can act as insect repellents.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

21. Tin Can Planters:

  • Clean and remove labels from used tin cans.
  • Add drainage holes at the bottom using a nail or drill.
  • Paint or decorate the exterior if desired.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.


22. Tissue Paper Roll/Tube Planting Bags
  • Collect empty tissue paper rolls.
  • Cut them to the desired size for planting bags.
  • Seal one end with natural glue or by folding securely.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling..


23. Old Tire Planters:

  • Find discarded old tires in good condition.
  • Clean the tires thoroughly to remove any contaminants.
  • Fill the tire with a suitable planting mix.
  • Plant the tree seedling in the center of the tire.

24. Plastic Water Bottles:

  • Collect used plastic water bottles.
  • Cut the bottles in half, creating two separate containers.
  • Make drainage holes at the bottom of each half.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

25. Plastic Drums:

  • Clean and cut plastic drums to the desired height.
  • Create drainage holes in the bottom for proper water drainage.
  • Ensure the drum is stable and won't tip over.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.


26. Plastic Jericans:

  • Rinse and clean plastic jerricans thoroughly.
  • Cut an opening at the top for planting, leaving a sturdy base.
  • Add drainage holes at the bottom for water drainage.
  • Fill with soil and plant the tree seedling.

27. Old Jeans Planters:


  • Find a pair of old jeans in good condition.
  • Cut the legs off, leaving the top part with the waistband.
  • Sew or secure the bottom to create a planting pouch.
  • Fill with a mixture of soil and compost.
  • Plant the tree seedling in the pouch, ensuring proper drainage.


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