{"product_id":"burgon-and-ball-paper-pot-maker-plastic-free-seedling-pot-making-kit","title":"Paper Pot Maker by Burgon \u0026 Ball - Plastic-Free Seedling Pot Kit","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe traditional wooden pot maker that turns yesterday's newspaper into today's seed pots — plastic-free propagation from Burgon \u0026amp; Ball, Sheffield's oldest tool-making firm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Burgon \u0026amp; Ball Paper Pot Maker is one of those small, quietly clever tools that solves a real problem: how to raise seedlings without accumulating a shed full of plastic modules and pots that break, crack, get lost, and eventually go to landfill. Wrap a strip of newspaper around the wooden mould, press it onto the base, and you have a small biodegradable pot ready to sow into. When the seedling is ready to plant out, the whole pot goes into the ground — no transplant shock, no plastic waste, no faff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's the sort of tool that reminds you gardening used to work perfectly well before plastic. And from Burgon \u0026amp; Ball, the Sheffield toolmaker who've been making garden tools since 1730, it's built to be used every propagation season for years to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTurns newspaper into biodegradable seed pots\u003c\/strong\u003e — uses recycled black-and-white newspaper (avoid glossy or coloured print)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSolid wooden construction\u003c\/strong\u003e — the mould and base are made from real wood, not plastic; the tool itself is as sustainable as the pots it makes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo tape, no glue required\u003c\/strong\u003e — the pot holds together by the folded-under base; wet compost bonds the paper naturally as you fill\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCreates approximately 5cm diameter pots\u003c\/strong\u003e — the ideal size for most vegetable seedlings, herbs, and flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePot plants straight into the ground\u003c\/strong\u003e — no need to remove; paper biodegrades within weeks in soil, releasing roots to grow through\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero transplant shock\u003c\/strong\u003e — roots aren't disturbed at planting-out time; particularly valuable for plants that dislike root disturbance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlastic-free propagation\u003c\/strong\u003e — a genuine plastic-free alternative to modules, cell trays, and pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUses waste newspaper\u003c\/strong\u003e — a use for something you already have; free pots from something you'd otherwise recycle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGreat for children and educational settings\u003c\/strong\u003e — the pot-making itself is engaging craft; teaches sustainable gardening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMade by Burgon \u0026amp; Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e — Sheffield's oldest tool-making firm, established 1730; nearly three centuries of continuous tool making\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBest For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVegetable seed starting\u003c\/strong\u003e — beans, peas, courgettes, squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, brassicas — any veg that starts in pots benefits from paper pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoot-sensitive plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — sweet peas, morning glory, poppies, nasturtiums, and other plants that dislike transplanting go straight to pot-and-plant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBishy seed customers looking to raise plants sustainably\u003c\/strong\u003e — the natural companion to the seed range\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero-plastic gardening\u003c\/strong\u003e — anyone building a genuinely plastic-free vegetable garden or allotment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eChildren's gardening and school projects\u003c\/strong\u003e — the pot-making activity is engaging; the growing results are visible; the sustainable message lands well with younger gardeners\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAllotment growers\u003c\/strong\u003e — free pots at scale for a full plot's propagation needs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerb and salad growers\u003c\/strong\u003e — quick-turnaround crops don't need robust plastic pots for their short pot life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAutumn sweet pea sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e — deep root systems don't like being disturbed; paper pots let you plant out roots intact\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGift for the sustainable gardener\u003c\/strong\u003e — a considered gift for anyone reducing plastic in their gardening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrepare your newspaper strips\u003c\/strong\u003e — cut black-and-white newspaper into strips approximately 8-10cm wide and long enough to wrap around the mould with a few centimetres of overlap at the base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWrap the strip around the mould\u003c\/strong\u003e — hold the wooden mould upright and roll a newspaper strip around it, leaving about 3cm hanging over the base\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFold the overhang\u003c\/strong\u003e — press the overhanging paper inwards over the base of the mould, folding it flat against the bottom\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePress onto the tamper base\u003c\/strong\u003e — place the wrapped mould onto the base and press firmly. This compresses and binds the folds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSlide off the pot\u003c\/strong\u003e — carefully slide the newly formed pot off the mould\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFill with compost\u003c\/strong\u003e — fill the paper pot with peat-free seed compost, firming gently. The moisture will bind the paper further\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSow your seed\u003c\/strong\u003e — sow one or two seeds per pot at appropriate depth for the variety\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater and grow\u003c\/strong\u003e — keep in a warm bright position; paper pots can go in a seed tray for easy watering and handling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant out whole\u003c\/strong\u003e — when the seedling is ready, dig a hole and plant the paper pot directly into the ground. Firm gently. The pot degrades within weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat Kind of Paper Works Best?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black-and-white newspaper — broadsheet or tabloid, standard newspaper printing ink is soy-based and safe for growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlso fine:\u003c\/strong\u003e Brown paper (parcel wrapping, unbleached paper bags), plain kraft paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Glossy magazine paper (coating may contain unwanted chemicals), heavily coloured printed paper, waxed or laminated papers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFor colourful pots:\u003c\/strong\u003e Paper from unbleached kraft or unglazed craft paper works well and biodegrades quickly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare and Longevity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKeep dry between uses\u003c\/strong\u003e — the wooden mould and base can absorb moisture; wipe clean and dry after each pot-making session\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStore dry\u003c\/strong\u003e — a shed or covered storage box keeps the wood in condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOccasional oil\u003c\/strong\u003e — a light coat of vegetable or linseed oil once a year keeps the wood supple and prolongs the tool's life\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong-term:\u003c\/strong\u003e With basic care, expect many years of use; Burgon \u0026amp; Ball tools are designed to last decades, not seasons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ctable style=\"width:100%; border-collapse:collapse;\"\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eBurgon \u0026amp; Ball, Sheffield (established 1730)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003ePaper Pot Maker — sustainable propagation tool\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eSolid wooden mould and base\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePot Diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eApproximately 5cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePot Material\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eRecycled newspaper (user-supplied)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlastic Content\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eNone — genuine plastic-free\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAssembly\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eNo tape or glue required\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eAll seeds usually started in pots or modules\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReusable\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eYes — the tool lasts decades; pots are single-use biodegradable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStorage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px; border-bottom:1px solid #ddd;\"\u003eCompact — small footprint in shed or potting bench\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:8px;\"\u003eSheffield, England\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhy Paper Pots Beat Plastic Modules\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZero transplant shock\u003c\/strong\u003e — the whole pot goes in the ground; roots are never disturbed. Particularly valuable for taproot plants (sweet peas, poppies, nasturtiums) that resent transplanting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo plastic waste\u003c\/strong\u003e — plastic modules break, warp, and eventually end up in landfill; paper pots become soil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFree pot supply\u003c\/strong\u003e — use newspaper you'd otherwise recycle; make as many pots as you need\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBetter root development\u003c\/strong\u003e — roots air-prune at the edges of paper pots, developing fibrous root systems rather than spiralling roots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCompostable\u003c\/strong\u003e — even if you don't use every pot you make, unused pots can be composted or recycled\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEducational value\u003c\/strong\u003e — the pot-making process itself is engaging for children and teaches sustainable practice\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePerfect for Sowing Bishy Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePaper pots are ideal for many of the seeds we grow and sell at Salle Moor Hall Farm — especially the ones that don't like being transplanted. Sweet peas, morning glory, nasturtiums, and beans all appreciate going into the ground with roots intact. For quick-turnaround crops like microgreens and salad leaves, paper pots reduce plastic waste dramatically. Our full seed range works beautifully with pot-and-plant propagation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompanions from the Bishy Range\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/vegetable-seeds\"\u003eVegetable Seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — runner beans, French beans, courgettes, squash, cucumbers, and other pot-started crops\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cottage-garden-seeds\"\u003eCottage Garden Seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — sweet peas and root-sensitive cottage garden flowers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/propagation-growing-essentials\"\u003ePropagation and Growing Essentials\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — compost, cell trays, dibbers, and everything for a complete propagation setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/composts-soils-mulches\"\u003ePeat-Free Composts and Soils\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the right seed compost for filling paper pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/herb-seeds\"\u003eHerb Seeds\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — basil, parsley, coriander for quick-turnaround pot growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/pea-mangetout-carouby-de-maussane\"\u003ePea Mangetout 'Carouby de Maussane'\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — the root-sensitive pea that particularly benefits from paper pot growing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/potting-shed\"\u003eThe Potting Shed collection\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — browse the full Burgon \u0026amp; Ball range and complementary tools\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Burgon \u0026amp; Ball\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBurgon \u0026amp; Ball is Sheffield's oldest tool-making firm, established in 1730. Nearly three centuries of unbroken tool manufacturing in the city historically famous for the quality of its steel. Their range spans traditional garden tools, RHS-endorsed pieces, precision propagation equipment, and considered sustainable products like this paper pot maker — all built to last decades and be used seriously.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Bishy Barnabee's Cottage Garden\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWe're a small Norfolk seed and garden supplies business, run from Salle Moor Hall Farm near Reepham. Alongside our own-grown seeds and dried flowers, we curate a small Potting Shed range of tools and supplies we use ourselves or would happily recommend to a fellow gardener. The Burgon \u0026amp; Ball Paper Pot Maker is a good example of the kind of thing we look for: a simple tool that solves a real problem, made well, from a manufacturer we trust, that reduces the plastic in the gardening year. If you'd like advice on which of our seed varieties suit paper pot propagation, get in touch.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AllotMate Essentials","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64012599984505,"sku":"5019360009597","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0576\/6004\/7547\/files\/GEC-POTM-burgon-and-ball-paper-pot-maker-03_large_28323427-2c00-486e-b11e-399be23091f0.webp?v=1785427495","url":"https:\/\/www.bishybarnabeescottagegarden.com\/products\/burgon-and-ball-paper-pot-maker-plastic-free-seedling-pot-making-kit","provider":"Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden Ltd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}