Prepare seeds with seed tape

 

K-State horticulture expert says tape helps to decrease time spent planting seeds

 

At a glance: K-State horticulture expert Matt McKernan outlines the steps needed to make seed tape, which aids in handling small garden seeds and getting proper spacing.

More information: Matt McKernan, hortsupport@ksu.edu

Related: K-State Horticulture Newsletter | Kansas Garden Guide | Vegetable Garden Planting Guide

March 17, 2026

K-State Extension news service

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Seed tape is a method of preparing seeds for planting that reduces the amount of time spent bending over the ground. Kansas State University horticulture expert Matt McKernan said seed tape makes it easier to handle small seeds and get proper spacing.

To make a seed tape:

• Cut a paper towel into strips two inches wide by 12 inches long.
• Create a sticky paste by mixing ½ cup flour with water.
• Use a ruler and pencil to mark dots on the paper towel at the proper spacing for the type of seed being planted. The seed packet should contain recommended plant spacing guidelines.

“Put one seed on each dot on the paper towel, then put a small drop of the flour paste on top of each seed,” McKernan said. “Allow the paste to dry before moving the seed tape. Be sure to label each seed tape with the type of crop and date.”

At the appropriate time, each seed tape can be planted at the proper depth in the garden. To do so, simply dig a furrow to the appropriate depth and unroll the seed tape into the trench and cover with soil. McKernan said the seeds will germinate through the paste.

“Over time, the paper towel will break down into the garden. Toilet paper and tissue paper are other options for making seed tape,” McKernan said.

This activity is perfect for getting children involved, he added. Seed tape can be prepared any time before planting. Store completed seed tapes in a cool, dry location, just like you would the normal seed packet.

McKernan and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes and gardens.

Interested persons can subscribe to the newsletter, as well as send their garden and yard-related questions to hortsupport@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Extension office.

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K‑State Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the wellbeing of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.