DIY Plantable Greeting Cards – A Thoughtful & Budget-Friendly Gift for Every Occasion
DIY plantable greeting cards are the perfect way to spread joy, love, and a little greenery. Made with recycled paper and wildflower or herb seeds, your card can be planted in the garden and grown into something beautiful!
What You’ll Need:
- Scrap paper (think: old printer paper, envelopes, egg cartons, etc.)
- A hand blender or food processor (this can be done by hand if you don’t mind putting a little muscle into it)
- A bowl and strainer
- A towel or sponge
- A rolling pin or bottle (for flattening)
- Wildflower or herb seeds (local native seeds are ideal!)
- A screen or mesh (an old flyscreen, embroidery hoop with mesh, or sieve)
- Cookie cutters (optional, for shaping)
Instructions:
1. Tear & Soak the Paper
Rip your scrap paper into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Cover with warm water and soak for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight if possible. We recommend using a clean bucket if you have one handy.
2. Blend into a Pulp
Add the soaked paper and a bit of the water to your blender or food processor. Blend until you have a thick, pulpy texture—kind of like oatmeal. If like us you don't want to risk your blender to this activity we recommend doing it by hand. It does take a little bit more time (and a bit of muscle) but very satisfying to make 'by hand'.
3. Stir in Seeds
Pour your pulp into a bowl (or the bucket you used earlier to soak the paper) and let it cool slightly if warm. Gently mix in your wildflower or herb seeds with a spoon.
Important: If you are using the blender method, don't blend your seeds in as they may not grow if they get damaged by blades.
4. Shape Your Paper
Lay your mesh or screen over an old clean towel. Scoop a handful of pulp onto the screen and spread it out evenly into a card shape.
You can also press it into cookie cutters to make shaped cards like hearts, or flowers or whatever shapes you have handy!
5. Press & Dry
Use a sponge or dish towel to press out excess water from the top. Flatten with a rolling pin or bottle for a smooth finish. Carefully transfer to a clean surface to dry. Let the card dry completely—this might take 24–48 hours depending on weather.
6. Add Your Message
Once dry, use a permanent pen to write your message. Be sure to include planting instructions for the recipient:
To Plant: Soak the card in water overnight, tear it up, and plant it under a thin layer of soil. Keep it moist until seedlings appear.
Budget-Friendly Tip:
No need for fancy seed paper! This DIY version uses scrap materials you already have at home, making it kind to your wallet and the environment. This fun project is perfect for families, teachers, market stalls, or anyone wanting to spread some cheer in a creative, meaningful way.