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Introduction: Recycling is an eco-friendly practice that can be done in almost every aspect of life, and gardening is no exception. One often-overlooked item in many homes is the humble toilet paper roll. Instead of throwing it away, why not put it to good use in your garden? Toilet paper rolls are biodegradable, versatile, and can serve many purposes that promote sustainability in your gardening routine. In this article, we’ll explore 14 creative ways to recycle toilet paper rolls, turning them into practical, garden-friendly tools that benefit both your plants and the environment.
Ingredients (Materials Needed):
Toilet paper rolls (used or unused)
Scissors
Crafting supplies (optional, such as paint, glue, etc.)
Potting soil
Garden seeds or seedlings
Watering can or spray bottle
Plants or herbs for gardening (optional)
Instructions:
Seed Starting Pots: Cut the toilet paper rolls into smaller sections (about 2-3 inches high). Fill each section with potting soil, place a seed in the center, and water gently. The roll will biodegrade in the soil as your plant grows.
Compost Bin Tidy: If you're starting a compost bin, use toilet paper rolls to help aerate the pile. Cut them into smaller rings and place them around the compost, which helps with ventilation and decomposition.
Plant Labels: Cut toilet paper rolls into strips, write the names of your plants on them, and insert them into the soil to serve as natural, biodegradable plant markers.
Bird Feeder: Spread peanut butter on a toilet paper roll, then roll it in birdseed. Hang it from a tree to attract local wildlife to your garden.
Pest Barrier for Young Plants: Cut the roll lengthwise and place it around the base of your young plants to create a barrier against cutworms and other small pests.
Garden Hose Holder: Secure a few toilet paper rolls together to create a simple garden hose holder, preventing the hose from tangling when not in use.
Vertical Garden Wall: Stack toilet paper rolls on a piece of cardboard or wood, and fill them with potting soil. Use these as a vertical garden wall to grow herbs or small plants.
Mini Greenhouses: Cut rolls in half and cover with clear plastic. These make small, portable greenhouses that trap heat and moisture for seed germination.
Root Trainer: Use toilet paper rolls as root trainers for plants like tomatoes or peppers. They help direct root growth, ensuring healthier seedlings before transplanting them into the garden.
Garden Tool Organizer: Keep your gardening tools in order by using a few toilet paper rolls to create a simple, homemade organizer. Place them in a tray or container and store small tools, like trowels or gloves, inside.
Insect Habitat: Bundle a few toilet paper rolls together and place them under trees or bushes. This creates a habitat for insects like ladybugs and bees, which are beneficial to your garden’s ecosystem.
Potting Mix Funnel: Cut the roll lengthwise and roll it back into a funnel shape to easily transfer potting soil into pots without making a mess.
Mushroom Trays: Stack and fill toilet paper rolls with sawdust or straw to grow your own mushrooms. This works well for small mushroom varieties that don’t require deep containers.
Root Protection: When transplanting plants, especially delicate ones, use toilet paper rolls to encircle the roots. This shields the roots from environmental stress and helps them acclimate better.
Serving and Storage Tips: To ensure that the toilet paper rolls remain functional in the garden, store them in a dry, cool place until you're ready to use them. Since toilet paper rolls are biodegradable, they should decompose naturally when left in the garden. For items like seed pots or insect habitats, try to place them in areas where they won’t be disturbed by heavy rainfall or wind.
Variations:
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