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Reuse In The Garden = Natural Pest Control... part 2



Reuse In The Garden = Natural Pest Control... part 2


 * This is a 2 part article series... Find part 1, published May 16th, HERE 


If you or anyone you know is replacing old Venetian style blinds (plastic or metal) make sure they know you are interested in them. The slats are perfect for cutting into little plant tags.  Using a pair of strong scissors, simply cut the slats to the desired length (I tend to cut them 6”) and taper one end to a point – that is the end you push into the ground or soil flat where you have started the seedlings.

Similarly you can repurpose clean plastic tub containers (from cottage cheese, yogurt, etc.) for plant tags as well. Starting at the rim cut a straight line down to the bottom of the tub and then turning the scissors cut the bottom off. Cut a series of lines from top to bottom, to the desired thickness (mine are about 1” wide) and taper the one end into a “v” shape.

I place the plastic containers in the top rack of the dishwasher first, to ensure they are clean and then store them stacked together in an old grocery bag until I have enough to work with. In the evenings, while watching TV or something, I’ll work at the containers making a big supply of tags and store those in a clean frozen yogurt container or ice cream bucket.



the e-book version of the Trash Talk series are on Sale Now until June 30!


It is helpful if you use a good quality water resistant felt pen to mark the seed tag clearly, just before you use it. I have found that the same tags can be reused year after year to mark common crop rows (like carrots). The tags are also very handy for seed trays and small pots of seedlings – because they will help support the plastic cover used to prevent the seedlings from drying out too quickly.


Various sized plastic tub containers can be used as seedling pots  - simply cut a few small holes in the bottom for drainage. Larger plastic containers can be used as plant pots, especially if you intend on putting that pot in a more decorative container on the deck or patio. Alternatively you can paint the container (most cities have paint reuse centers where you can pick up someone’s unused paint for free).

Milk jugs and other jugs with handles actually make good harvest buckets. Cut a large opening in the top corner so that the bottom, sides and handle remain Loosely hang the jug by a belt at your waist and when it fills up, it is easily tilted to empty it. We love these harvest buckets because it allows us to freedom to use both hands.

Find part 1 of this article, published May 16th, HERE 

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