How to join
Plantober

Trees are nature's superheroes. They clean the air, cool our cities, provide homes for wildlife and help protect our planet. But we desperately need to plant more.

You can help. Join Plantober and grow your very own tree in a recycled carton.

Your instructions to help grow a greener future

You’ll need:

  • A handful or two of compost

  • 1 tree seed

  • 1 pencil or skewer

  • Netting

  • 1 carton

Step 1 - Go on a wonderful walk

Find your tree seed. Hazelnut, conker, sweet chestnut, acorn, walnut, or beech seeds are brilliant options. Give the seed a quick check to make sure it’s healthy. You don’t want a damaged or mouldy one.

Read how to select your Plantober seeds.

Step 2 - Find a paper carton

Milk, juice, ice cream, or soup all work well. Give it a really good wash inside and out. Carefully cut the top off­. But make sure you keep as much of the carton as possible.

Step 3 - Add drainage holes

Poke 6-8 drainage holes in the bottom. These can be made with a skewer or a pencil.

(Don’t forget to ask an adult for help if you need it.)

Step 4 - Add compost

Fill your carton with compost until it is two-thirds full. Place your tree seed on top. Then cover it with even more compost – almost to the top of the carton.

Step 5 - Protect your precious tree

Cover your carton with some netting to help stop animals from stealing your seed. Reusing a netted bag from your lemons or onions is a great option.

Step 6 - Pop your carton outside

Tree seeds need a spell of frost to germinate. Keep an eye on your seed and if the compost looks dry, you can give it a little water. By the spring your seed will start to germinate. And you’ll see young shoots appear.

Share your tree planting journey using #plantober.

Download the instructions

Download these instructions as a handy leaflet.

* indicates required

Sign up to hear more

Keep up to date with everything Plantober. And hear from ITF throughout the year with news, advice and tips to help you grow your new tree.

Thank you for helping to make the UK a little greener.
You can help plant more trees around the world and support global reforestation with a donation today.

Plant more trees