I like to use paper pots for all Squash, Cucumber and Gourd seedlings since they don't love their roots being fussed with. Very few of us get newspapers any more but I'd hung on to my over-100 page voter info pamphlet from the primaries and mine is the perfect size. Just remove the staples and open it up and it's the same size has a half newspaper sheet. I place the paper pots in a nursery tray until planting and for easier watering. Any type of saucer would do for just a few. I wouldn't try to grow anything in them for much longer than a month or so.
I'm not all that concerned with the small amount of ink or anything used to process the paper as it's only one newspaper half page per pot. Oregon is often at the forefront of care for the environment and their position is this (it's fine):
https://extension.oregonstate.....
I've used this particular YouTube video for making the pots for years now. Doing it today so thought I'd share. They break down and incorporate into the soil so much easier than peat pots and other alternatives.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?...
If you've ever made paper pirate hats, this is similar. The only place to get hung up is when he's folding the second side tabs. Just enclose the tabs - not the angled bit of paper. Otherwise it's straightforward.
