This is such an unbelievably simple idea, I can't quite believe it isn't already everywhere, but as far as I can tell, either not many people have thought of this before, or they were all too shy to speak up, or something (maybe it is everywhere and I just suck at using Google).

The peas I planted in the demonstration video germinated in a couple of days - within a week, they had outgrown the propagator and they're now going out into the garden.

How To Make It

• Really, all you have to do is:
• Find an empty CD spindle case (big ones are best)
• Cut off the central column If this leaves a hole,
• patch it with tape
• Drill a few vent holes in the top
• Find a pot to fit
• Add some compost, seeds, water
• Wait for your plants to grow

Other Uses

As well as starting seeds for the garden, it has other uses - you could use it to grow things that need humidity, such as miniature ferns. Or you could put one on your office windowsill and use it to grow mustard and cress to liven up your sandwiches.

Or like my kids, you could use it for a school project (see photo below left) - we made a miniature living model of a rain forest (mostly from weeds and moss we found in the garden)