Use Junk and Trash to Help Make Your Garden Grow
Author: Wenona Napolitano
I have been busy planning my summer garden. By this time of year, I usually have it planned out by now but here in Michigan the weather has been so cold, wet and pathetic I haven’t done much. I don’t even have my seeds started yet and I need to get them planted this weekend or they’ll never be big enough to transplant once the weather is warm enough to put everything in the ground.
There are so many things you can use from your trash or recycling to help make your garden grow.
Garden Containers
I have my egg cartons saved from Easter and I have two boxes of pellets to go in the cartons along with seeds I saved from last year’s plants and a few new packets I bought. I also have some fab pots and containers I found while cleaning out my basement I plan to use in the garden and the old bathtub saved from the remodel but I’m not sure if it’ll become a garden bed or small pond yet.
I also found a few items I’ll be transforming into plant trellises. The sides of an old wooden playpen will make a gorgeous trellis for my morning glories. The sides of an old semi-fancy metal shelving unit will give my raspberries or grapes something decorative to vine around.
From the Trash
You can use common items found in your trash or compost bin too.
- Use eggshells saved from all your Easter eggs for pest deterrents once the plants are in the ground.
- A bucket of coffee grounds will help enrich the soil for planting. Mix it in when you till.
- Shredded newspaper makes great mulch in the flower garden. Use it under wood chips for extra layering and insulation.