Summer is the perfect time to start a garden. Luckily, you do not need to spend an arm and a leg to transform your space into something special and sustainable.
When organizing your garden, reusing household items can be a fun DIY project. Here are some simple ways to spruce up your yard this summer.
Labeling plants:
- Use to-go plastic coffee lids attached to sticks
- Label wooden spoons with a marker
- For larger-scale projects, turn wooden pallets into shelves or hanging planters
Hanging plants:
- Modify tin cans, glass bottles, plastic bottles, and milk jugs into hanging planters by attaching string or rope through the holes in the containers
- Tires are also a great DIY resource for larger plants
Growing plants:
- Fabric-style bags that can be found at stores like Giant Eagle are easy to convert into grow bags
Watering your plant:
- Cut holes into the caps of milk cartons to turn it into an instant watering can
- Alter bottleneck tops like those on wine or plastic bottles into a slow-drip watering system
Sprouting seedlings:
- Biodegradable containers like paper egg cartons and toilet paper rolls are perfect to house your seedlings
- When your seeds have sprouted, set the carton or roll in the soil to begin the next stage of the growing process
Weed prevention:
- Cut up cardboard boxes and place them in between rows of plants
- As a bonus, the cardboard will break down and provide organic matter for your soil
Bird feeders:
- Create a pit-stop for feather-winged friends by inserting spoons through milk jugs or plastic bottles
- Fill them up with bird seeds, hang them outside, and wait for your new friends to appear
Consider pairing these tips with at-home composting to boost your garden growth by visiting https://savemorethanfood.org/compost/home/.
Your garden and the planet will thank you for choosing to reuse!
