Cellulose hydrogel derived from cellulose fibers extracted from printed paper waste is prepared. The hydrogel derived from 3 wt% of the cellulose concentration exhibits a maximum water absorption capacity of 465.5%. The effects of the cellulose hydrogel on the soil moisture are evaluated using four types of soils namely river sand, clayey soil, loamy soil, and gley soil (the wetland soil). The potential application of cellulose‐based hydrogel as an eco‐friendly seed germination media of the paddy seeds under the soil‐less condition is evaluated. This study shows that paddy seeds exhibit a higher seed germination rate of 53% when cellulose hydrogel is used as a seed germination media as compared to seed germination rate ranging from 14% to 35% when various types of soil are used as the germination media. The prepared cellulose hydrogel could be applied as an eco‐friendly and cost‐effective seed germination media to enhance the paddy seeds' germination rate. Cellulose hydrogel is prepared from cellulose fibers isolated from printed paper waste. Cellulose hydrogel is shown to enhance paddy seeds' germination rates.