Gardening can be an enjoyable and rewarding hobby, but it can also become costly if you need to purchase all the necessary supplies and materials. Fortunately, many common household items can be repurposed and used in your garden, saving you money and reducing waste.
In this article, we'll explore five everyday items that can find new life in your outdoor oasis.
Empty Milk Jugs for Potting
Instead of throwing away those empty milk jugs or plastic bottles, give them a second life as mini greenhouses or seedling pots. Simply cut off the top portion, poke a few holes in the bottom for drainage, and you've got a perfect container for starting seeds or rooting cuttings. The transparent plastic will create a greenhouse-like environment, helping to retain moisture and warmth for your plants.
Pantyhose for Plant Supports
Forget about buying expensive plant supports or trellises. A pair of old pantyhose can be an effective and inexpensive solution for supporting climbing plants like tomatoes, peas, or cucumbers. Cut off the leg portion of the pantyhose and use it to gently tie and guide the plant's vines as they grow upwards.
Plastic Bag for Temperature Control
On chilly nights, protect your delicate plants from frost damage by using a simple plastic bag. Place the bag over the plant, securing it at the base, and it will act as a miniature greenhouse, trapping warmth and shielding the plant from the cold. This technique is particularly useful for tender crops like tomatoes or peppers during unexpected late-spring or early-fall frosts.
Coffee Grounds for Nitrogen
Instead of tossing out those used coffee grounds, sprinkle them around the base of your plants. Coffee grounds are a rich source of nitrogen, an essential nutrient that promotes lush, green foliage growth. As the grounds decompose, they'll release nitrogen into the soil, feeding your plants and improving their overall health.
Eggshells for Calcium
Eggshells are an excellent source of calcium, a vital mineral for plant growth and development. Simply rinse out the shells, let them dry, and then crush them into small pieces. Sprinkle the crushed eggshells around the base of your plants, especially those that require extra calcium, like tomatoes, peppers, and broccoli. As the shells break down, they'll release calcium into the soil, strengthening your plants' cell walls and improving overall vigor.
