Gardening is a wonderful way to connect with nature and create a beautiful, peaceful space right in your own backyard. And while there are plenty of fancy tools and expensive products on the market to help you achieve the garden of your dreams, there are also plenty of ways to repurpose items you already have in your home to save money and reduce waste.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 10 creative ways to reuse household items in your garden. Not only will these tips help you save money, but they’ll also allow you to get creative and add a personal touch to your outdoor space. Let’s get started!
1. Egg Cartons
Don’t throw away those empty egg cartons – they can actually make great seed starters. Simply fill each compartment with soil, plant your seeds, and watch them grow. When it’s time to transplant your seedlings, you can cut apart the individual compartments and plant them directly in the ground.
2. Plastic Bottles
Empty plastic bottles can be transformed into handy watering cans by poking holes in the cap. You can also cut off the top of the bottle to create a mini greenhouse for starting seeds or protecting delicate plants from the elements.
3. Mason Jars
Mason jars aren’t just for canning – they can also be used as adorable planters for herbs, succulents, or small flowers. Hang them from hooks or place them on a windowsill to add a touch of rustic charm to your garden.
4. Old Tires
Old tires may not be the most attractive garden accessory, but they can be repurposed into colorful planters by painting them with outdoor-friendly spray paint. Stack them on top of each other to create a tiered planter, or turn them inside out and fill them with soil for an instant raised bed.
5. Newspaper
Newspaper is a biodegradable alternative to landscape fabric for suppressing weeds in your garden. Simply lay down several layers of newspaper around your plants and cover it with mulch to keep weeds at bay. You can also use newspaper to make seedling pots by wrapping it around a can and folding the edges over.
6. Coffee Grounds
Instead of throwing away your used coffee grounds, sprinkle them around your plants to keep pests like slugs and snails at bay. Coffee grounds can also help improve the soil’s drainage and add nutrients to your plants.
7. Wine Corks
If you’re a wine lover, don’t toss those corks – they can be used as biodegradable plant markers. Simply write the name of the plant on the cork with a permanent marker and stick it in the soil next to your plant.
8. Tin Cans
Empty tin cans can be transformed into charming lanterns by punching holes in the sides and adding a candle. Place them around your garden to create a cozy ambiance on warm summer nights.
9. Plastic Bags
Instead of throwing away plastic bags, use them to protect fragile plants from frost by covering them overnight. You can also save larger bags to use as makeshift tarps for hauling mulch, leaves, or other garden debris.
10. Shoe Organizers
Hanging shoe organizers can be repurposed into vertical planters for herbs or small flowers. Simply fill each pocket with soil and plant your favorite herbs for easy access while cooking.
By reusing household items in your garden, you can save money, reduce waste, and add a personal touch to your outdoor space. Get creative and see how many ways you can repurpose items you already have in your home. Happy gardening!
