Sprout Pencils Review

When the Sprout PR team reached out to me to see if I wanted to try their plantable pencils, I answered with a big fat yes!!

At a time when the words on everyone’s lips are “climate change” and doing what we can for our planet, this seems like a perfect gift/item of stationery.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a stationery addict – this is why Chloe and I started our own Etsy shop (click on the link if you haven’t already checked it out – we really appreciate the support!!)

I left the choice of the box up to them as I liked the sound of all of them. They gave me the choice of The Happy Bee * edition pencils grow into bee-friendly wildflowers, the Mindful Thoughts * edition features motivational quotes and grow in herbs and flowers, and the Spread the Love * edition features quotes designed to share positive vibes and grow into colourful flowers and edible herbs.

What are Sprout pencils?

Sprout pencils have a seed capsule where the eraser normally is. The idea is when your pencil is too short to write with you plant it in a pot and it will sprout into a plant.

The Mindful thoughts edition sprout into Basil, Sage, Daisy, Thyme and Chia. Obviously, as I have just received them I have not yet tried planting them. Therefore there will be a review of that process in the future once the pencil is used.

All Sprout pencils are 100% sustainable, non-toxic non-GMO. They are biodegradable and made from sustainably sourced materials, utilizing sustainable production techniques and the packaging is either PEFC or FSC certified. This means that every time a tree is harvested, another one is planted. The pencils also carry the European EN-71 safety approval certification.

Thoughtful gift

These pencils would make a lovely gift, for a teacher or someone who is eco-conscious – they have a quote on them too, for example on my Basil pencil it has a quote by Orlando Bloom (pun intended?) “It takes obstacles to learn, grow, be better” and they are lovely to hold and write with. I was worried when I saw the “naked” wood that they may feel rough or may give me splinters but they are perfectly smooth.

How to use Sprout Pencils

On the back of each box, there are step-by-step instructions. I just need to make sure that I keep the box in my drawer to refer to when I am ready to plant them. I might list the steps here so I can refer back to it just in case. Also in case anyone has stumbled upon this post after losing their instructions!!

Plant in a pot with a saucer in good moist potting soil
Plant at a 30-degree angle with the seed capsule only covered in soil.
Water often in the saucer to keep moist
20 degrees C/68 degrees F room temp, with natural light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight
Within 1-4 weeks, fresh plant with sprout

Looks easy enough!!

I am really pleased with the pencils and look forward to using them. Whilst I will miss having a rubber for my mistakes but the excitement of the seed capsule easily makes up for that!

If you give them a try let me know what you think of them in the comments!