What is toilet paper seed tape?

Seed tape is a thin strip of paper with seeds pre-spaced on it. Using toilet paper and a simple flour-and-water paste lets you make DIY seed tape so tiny seeds—like carrots and lettuce—are planted at the right spacing.

How do I make seed tape with toilet paper and flour paste?

Mix 1 Tbsp flour with about 2–2½ Tbsp water to a thin glue. Split 2-ply toilet paper, cut 1–1.5 in strips, mark spacing, dab tiny dots of paste, place one seed per dot, fold or top with a second strip, press gently, and dry 12–24 hours.

Which seeds work best for DIY seed tape?

Best results come from small seeds that are hard to space by hand: carrots, radishes, lettuce, spinach, and beets. You can use other tiny seeds as long as you follow packet spacing and depth.

How far apart should I space seeds on the tape?

Common spacings: carrots 1–2 in, radishes 2 in, leaf lettuce 2 in, spinach 3 in, beets 3–4 in. Always check your seed packet and adjust for your garden conditions.

How do I plant toilet paper seed tape?

Make a shallow furrow at packet depth (usually 1/4–1/2 in), lay the seed tape, cover lightly with soil, and water gently. Keep the soil evenly moist until germination.

Will toilet paper break down in the soil?

Yes. Toilet paper softens quickly and decomposes in the garden, allowing seedlings to emerge normally.

Can I use white glue instead of flour paste?

A tiny dot of white glue can work, but flour-and-water paste is inexpensive, non-toxic, and widely preferred for homemade seed tape.

Do I need to dry the seed tape before planting?

Yes. Let the tape dry flat for 12–24 hours. Fully dried tape prevents premature sprouting or mold and stores better.

How long can I store homemade seed tape?

Store rolled in a labeled, airtight bag in a cool, dry place. Use within the same season for best germination; older seed may sprout unevenly.

Why are my seedlings sparse or moldy?

Sparse sprouts often mean old seed, planting too deep, or dry soil. Mold points to paste that was too thick or tape that wasn’t fully dry. Make thinner paste, dry longer, and water gently after planting.

Can I use paper towels instead of toilet paper?

You can, but toilet paper separates thinner and breaks down faster. If using paper towels, keep strips narrow and use minimal paste.

Does seed tape reduce thinning and help make straight rows?

Yes. Pre-spaced seeds mean less thinning and easier, straighter planting—especially for tiny seeds like carrots and lettuce.

How to Make Seed Tape with Toilet Paper (The 10-Minute Garden Hack)

Lisa
Oct 7
2 min read

If you’ve ever sprinkled carrot seed and ended up with a fuzzy green carpet—this is for you. DIY seed tape (aka the toilet paper seed tape trick) lets you pre-space tiny seeds so they sprout exactly where you want them—no heavy thinning, less waste, straighter rows. Below I’ll show you how to make seed tape with toilet paper and flour paste in about 10 minutes, plus spacing, planting depth, drying, and storage tips.

How to Make Seed Tape Toilet Paper Trick - Easy DIY for Carrots, Radishes & Lettuce

How to Make Seed Tape with Toilet Paper Quick Links

Make your seed tape (step-by-step)
Spacing chart (carrots, radishes, lettuce)
How to plant seed tape
Drying & storage
Troubleshooting
FAQs

Supplies Needed

Toilet paper (2-ply separates cleanly)
Small bowl, spoon or paintbrush
Flour + water = non-toxic paste
Seeds: carrots, radishes, lettuce, beets, spinach (tiny seeds work best)
Ruler/marker, toothpick or cotton swab
Wax paper or tray for drying; zip bag for storage

Mixing flour and water to make paste for toilet paper seed tape

Make Your Seed Tape

Mix paste. Stir 1 Tbsp flour with ~2–2½ Tbsp water to a thin glue. (Think pancake-batter thin.)
Cut strips. Split 2-ply toilet paper into single layers; cut 1–1.5 in wide strips.
Mark spacing. Lightly dot the strip using a ruler (see chart below).
Glue & seed. Put a tiny dab of paste on each mark; place one seed per dab with a toothpick.
Fold/press. Fold strip lengthwise or place a second strip on top and press lightly.
Dry flat 12–24 hours. Completely dry prevents premature sprouting or mold.
Label & store. Roll and bag with variety/date. Store cool and dry until planting.

Seed Spacing Quick Chart

Carrot: 1–2 in apart; rows 12 in apart
Radish: 2 in apart; rows 12 in apart
Leaf Lettuce: 2 in apart; rows 12–18 in apart
Beet: 3–4 in apart; rows 12–18 in apart
Spinach: 3 in apart; rows 12–18 in apart

(Always check your seed packet and local conditions.)

Placing carrot seeds on flour paste dots on toilet paper strip

How to Plant Seed Tape

Make a shallow furrow at packet depth (usually ¼–½ in).
Lay tape with seed side up (doesn’t matter, the paper breaks down).
Cover lightly and water gently. Keep evenly moist until germination.
If seedlings are still a bit crowded, thin to chart spacing.

how to make seed tape with toilet paper and plant seed tape in the dirt in evenly spaced rows

Drying & Storage Tips

Dry fully before rolling.
Store airtight in a cool, dry spot.
Use within the season for best germination.

Troubleshooting

Mold on tape: Paste too thick or not fully dry. Make thinner paste; extend dry time.
Seeds washed out: Watered too hard. Use a mister/rose head until sprouted.
Spotty germination: Old seed or depth too deep; check packet dates and depth.

FAQs

Can I use Elmer’s glue instead of flour paste?

Flour-water paste is cheap, non-toxic, and widely recommended by universities; white glue can work in tiny dots, but flour paste is the safer default.

What seeds work best?

Tiny, fussy seeds (carrot, lettuce) or anything you’d normally over-sow and thin.

Will seedlings push through the paper?

Yes—the paper softens and breaks down in soil; seedlings emerge normally.

Does seed tape improve straight rows and save thinning?

Yes—pre-spacing helps straight lines and reduces thinning/time on your knees.

Seed Your Garden in Seconds with This Toilet Paper Trick

Written by Lisa G., longtime home gardener in Virginia; I grow from seed, test germination methods, and share printable guides at WhereThingsGrow.com - Read more about Lisa here.