Don’t bin it…use it
Many of us are worried about the amount of waste we produce, particularly plastic waste. Do the things we throw in the recycling bin actually get recycled, or do they end up in mountains of waste half way round the world? So can we be creative with our waste and save money at the same time? Here are some ideas:
An old water butt
Sink an approx. 30cm slice from an old water butt into the ground and refill the ring with the soil you have dug out, adding fertiliser/compost/manure as necessary.
Put up bean poles and any strings needed, then plant within the ring for the plants to twine up the poles. Watering is easy and directed straight to the roots.
In the event of a late frost, the plants can be protected by wrapping fleece or bubble wrap round the outside.
Sent in by Jane Cunningham from an idea by Carol Edwards
An old milk bottle
Here's how I make my plant labels using empty milk bottles.
A permanent marker is best to write on them. They're quick and easy to make and you're recycling plastic!
If anyone already makes these or would like to make some, we would welcome any spares for use at the plant sale.
Sent in by Gwen Nabbs
A plastic bag
Here is a cutting I have potted up in a plastic bag. The type that can stand up without support.
This was a bag of nuts (a Christmas pack!) Pierce a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
The good thing is, once the plant is potted on, you can rinse out the bag and use it again. It stores completely flat and it takes up no room at all in the shed.
Sent in by Gwen Nabbs
Yoghurt pots and similar
In different sizes they make excellent plant pots for raising seeds and potting on. Just punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Or if you want a bit of excitement heat a skewer in a fire and burn holes through the bottom.
A variety of pots, planted up and ready for the Plant Sale. Someone has been eating a lot of yoghurt!
Drinks bottles
Good for watering to the roots of plants like courgettes and artichokes - it saves water too. Remove the cap, and cut away the bottom of the bottle. Make an indentation in the soil and push the neck of the bottle in until firm. A bamboo cane helps keep it in place - then fill the bottle with water.
Clear plastic fruit boxes
Make perfect seed trays - holding a good number of seeds for an average garden, not taking up much space and stacking neatly when not in use. The deeper ones, eg. grape boxes, already have drainage holes in the bottom. Less deep ones are perfect for using as covers until the seedlings emerge.