Seed Umbrellas


  A cute, practical solution! I created these with Krylon spray paint and cardboard. Why do seeds need umbrellas, you say? Seeds that are just getting started can get burned by too much sun. I kept getting fried seedlings from planting things in the window and then underestimating the heat they were experiencing.

What you need:

  • (1) can Krylon spray paitn 9color of your choice, I like bright colors)
  • Assorted cardboard - an old pizza box works well
  • Several straws
  • Scissors
  • Hot melt glue gun
  • Tape

How and How Long:

  1. Cut out the umbrella pattern: Cut the umbrella shape out of the cardboard. For the simple shape, just cut around the outside edge. Then score along the inside lines to help with folding. You can find the pattern here - http://www.instructables.com/id/seed-umbrellas/?ALLSTEPS
  2. Glue Umbrella Together: Tape or glue together the split end of the umbrella. Invert it and add some hot melt glue in the center. For the ornate umbrella pattern, it helps to have a little cap on the top to keep the glue from going all over. Position the straw in the center and hold it there, or lean it up against something till the glue hardens.
  3. Paint it and Plant it: Shake up the Krylon and paint it to taste. I like the blue and green metal finish mixed together!
  4. Does it help? Here's some photographic evidence that the seeds seem to be happier under the umbrella...

Approximate project time: 30 minutes.

What it Costs:

Cost is $6 for one can of spray paint.