Ready to get growing? This activity will teach you how to make your own paper embedded with seeds that can then be planted and grown in your very own garden. Make your paper in April for easy planting outside in early May.

You’ll need:

• Printer or notebook paper

• A large bowl

• Water

• A window screen

• Flower seeds, such as Marigolds or Black-Eyed-Susans (look out for local seeds in stores!)

1. Cut or rip your paper into small pieces. Soak it in a bowl of water overnight.

2. When the paper is soft, mash and squeeze it with your hands until it turns into a pulp. It should no longer look like paper.

3. Pour the excess water from the bowl into the sink. Don’t squeeze your paper to get out more water. You only need to get rid of the water in the bottom of the bowl.

4. Add in your seeds and carefully begin mixing them into the pulp.

5. With your window screen over the sink or a towel, spread your paper pulp over the screen and press it into a flat sheet. Try to press out as much water as possible, or blot it with a towel.

6. Once your seeded paper is completely dry, remove it from the screen.

7. Plant under an inch or so of soil, and water regularly to keep moist. You should see seedlings within a few weeks!