by Jamie Maggio

Created on: March 15, 2011

Tips for Recyling in the Garden

Recyling reminds us of the three "R's". Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - no only do you help the environment when we recycle, but it can be a frugal way to garden. There are so many items you can "recycle" from your home and use in your garden that not only save you time - but save you from throwing them away.

"One man's trash is another man's treasure." This quote is not only a cliche but very true in our world today. With economic distress in our economy; there are many ways to cut down on spending. Using items that others discard (or you usually discard) can be a great help in your garden. Here are a few ideas of things that I use:

* Plastic Bags: We all know that plastic bags are something that people often throw away and end up in landfills for years. My grandmother was a frugal and wise lady that loved to garden. She had tons of uses for a plain plastic grocery bag. She used them as "scarecrows". Tying plain plastic bags to tomato stakes often scare off birds and other pests that might come to "visit" your garden. She also used them as "bug catchers." Put a little sugar water in plastic bags and watch the beetles come to feed. By doing this they come to feed on the water and not your precious plants. Lastly, she used these for keeping baby plants warm on cold nights and as bedding for strawberries. She NEVER threw anything away that could be used in another way.

* Old Construction Material: Do you know someone or somewhere that is being updated or demolished? That old wood, windows, and other parts can make your garden beautiful. The wood can be used to lay gorgeous paths throughout your garden that separate your areas. The windows are a great and (FREE) way to make a mini greenhouse to keep seedlings and plants warm or to jump start growth when seeds are beginning. Bricks and other items also make pathways and other decorative looks to your garden.

* Egg Cartons, Plastic Bottles, and Glass Jars: All of these can be used to start off your seedlings, keep them safe from pests or other animals, and keep them warm. Egg cartons are perfect for starting off your young seeds. Plastic bottles are great to warm your plants or to make a mini-terrarium. Glass Jars can be used to cover precious plants or even to can what you harvest. Many types of food such as spaghetti sauce use mason jars that can be reused to can your harvests.

Whether you choose to use that old bucket as a rain barrel to water your plans, your egg cartons to start off your "babies", or plastic bags in multiple ways; there are plenty of different and creative ways you can use "one man's trash" (or your own) to make treasures in your garden. Don't go out and buy those fancy gadgets. Instead, get creative and look around your house or different areas. This is a great project for young children to get them out in the garden and to teach them to recycle. Enjoy!

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