Some people avoid planting a garden because
they fear it will cost a ton of money. I have learned, out of necessity to be
extremely frugal in the garden and reuse all that I can. Gardeners are
concerned about the condition of the environment and recycling projects are
perfect for the conservation minded. Besides being practical, adding recycled
items to the garden gives you a chance to be creative, and display your unique
personality.
Plant Labels from Plastic
I am forever searching for plant labels. Homemade plant labels are easy to make using plastic cups or milk jugs. Cut the plastic as flat as you can and trace the shape of an existing plant marker on the plastic. Recycled plastic plant labels will stand up to weather and should last for several seasons.
Citrus Rind Seed Starters
Ease transplant shock by using citrus rind for a seed-starting container. Fill the container with potting medium and place one or two seeds in the mix. Spray a little water on the soil and remember to keep the planting medium moist. When it comes time to transplant, plant the entire rind, it will decompose and provide beneficial fertilizer to the plant as it grows.
Drying Rack for Herbs
Why pay a fortune for an herb drying rack when you can use an old oven rack covered in cheesecloth? Cover the oven rack with cheesecloth and spread the herbs on top. Cover the herbs with another layer of cheesecloth and put a second oven rack on top. Flip the rack over occasionally for even drying.
Seed Storage Jars
Seed collectors need all of the sorting and storage containers they can find. Keep all of you little glass jars with lids for such a purpose. Wash and dry the jars before using. Place masking tape on the front of the jar and label with the seed type. Place the jars together on a shelf for easy access.
Old Window Trellis
Trellises are a necessary part of any garden, but they can be extremely expensive. Carefully break the glass out of an old window frame and staple some chicken wire to the back. If you have raised beds, you can screw the trellis to the back of the bed for a sturdy trellis perfect for flowers or vegetables.
Plant Labels from Plastic
I am forever searching for plant labels. Homemade plant labels are easy to make using plastic cups or milk jugs. Cut the plastic as flat as you can and trace the shape of an existing plant marker on the plastic. Recycled plastic plant labels will stand up to weather and should last for several seasons.
Citrus Rind Seed Starters
Ease transplant shock by using citrus rind for a seed-starting container. Fill the container with potting medium and place one or two seeds in the mix. Spray a little water on the soil and remember to keep the planting medium moist. When it comes time to transplant, plant the entire rind, it will decompose and provide beneficial fertilizer to the plant as it grows.
Drying Rack for Herbs
Why pay a fortune for an herb drying rack when you can use an old oven rack covered in cheesecloth? Cover the oven rack with cheesecloth and spread the herbs on top. Cover the herbs with another layer of cheesecloth and put a second oven rack on top. Flip the rack over occasionally for even drying.
Seed Storage Jars
Seed collectors need all of the sorting and storage containers they can find. Keep all of you little glass jars with lids for such a purpose. Wash and dry the jars before using. Place masking tape on the front of the jar and label with the seed type. Place the jars together on a shelf for easy access.
Old Window Trellis
Trellises are a necessary part of any garden, but they can be extremely expensive. Carefully break the glass out of an old window frame and staple some chicken wire to the back. If you have raised beds, you can screw the trellis to the back of the bed for a sturdy trellis perfect for flowers or vegetables.
Wine
Bottle Edging
For an attractive flowerbed edge, use clean and dry wine bottles. Place the bottle into the ground at varying heights for a dramatic effect.
Rain Barrels
There are many rain barrels for sale at home and garden centers and online. Save some money, by finding a food grade 55-gallon container and converting it to a rain barrel. With a few pieces from the hardware store, you can make your very own rain barrel for a fraction of the cost and begin conserving rainwater for your garden.
Every time I go to a yard sale or walk by trash that people are throwing away, I do a quick inventory of the items to see if I can use any in my garden. Over the years, I have saved thousands of dollars by thinking outside of the box and breathing new life into old items for my garden. The next time you find yourself thinking about something you need in your garden, try to find a way to use something you already have to solve your problem.
For an attractive flowerbed edge, use clean and dry wine bottles. Place the bottle into the ground at varying heights for a dramatic effect.
Rain Barrels
There are many rain barrels for sale at home and garden centers and online. Save some money, by finding a food grade 55-gallon container and converting it to a rain barrel. With a few pieces from the hardware store, you can make your very own rain barrel for a fraction of the cost and begin conserving rainwater for your garden.
Every time I go to a yard sale or walk by trash that people are throwing away, I do a quick inventory of the items to see if I can use any in my garden. Over the years, I have saved thousands of dollars by thinking outside of the box and breathing new life into old items for my garden. The next time you find yourself thinking about something you need in your garden, try to find a way to use something you already have to solve your problem.
About the Author
Susan Patterson –
I am a work from home writer and a Master Gardener. I write on a variety of
horticulture and environmental topics including the usage of historical aerials.
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