Materials & Tools

Two (matching) empty plastic tubs - preferably with a lip around the edge of the lid.
Clear plastic tub (optional)
Kitchen roll
Craft knife / Scissors
Compost
 

Step 1

Mark a slot along one end of the lid.
 

Step 2

Carefully cut the slot with the craft knife and/or scissors.
 

Step 3

Place the lid upside down on the tub, and mark the position of the slot onto the base of the tub.

Step 4

Carefully cut the slot in the base with the craft knife and/or scissors.

Step 5

Check that both slots line up nicely - trim if necessary.
 

Step 6

Cut a sheet of kitchen roll to roughly the width of the lid.

Step 7

Feed the kitchen roll through both slots, leaving enough paper inside to cover the base of the tub.

Step 8

Fill the lower (complete) tub with water.

Step 9

Fill the upper tub with finely sieved seed compost over the kitchen towel.

Step 10

Drape the trailing part of the kitchen towel into the water in the lower tub, then seal the lid onto the tub.

Step 11

Fit a clear plastic tub upside down as a propagator lid.

• The system works by capillary action, drawing water along the fibres of the kitchen roll to provide a steady supply of water to the compost in the upper tub.
• A full tub of water should keep the compost moist for over a week, providing stable conditions for any seeds to germinate.
  This makes it an ideal solution for people who can only go to their allotment at weekends, or to start seeds whilst you are on holiday.
• Transplant seedlings into pots once they are large enough to handle.