Are you looking to start your own urban garden but don’t know where to begin? Or perhaps you’re already an experienced gardener but want to find more eco-friendly ways to grow your plants? Look no further! We have 5 simple and creative ways for you to reuse recyclable materials to create a thriving green space in your small urban environment. Once the items have been reused they can still be composted or recycled!
1. Reuse Egg Cartons as Seed Starters
Instead of throwing away your used egg cartons, save them and reuse them as seed starters. These cartons provide the perfect compartments for planting seeds and fit easily onto a windowsill or balcony in direct sunlight. You can use both plastic and cardboard egg cartons, just make sure to poke holes in the bottom for drainage. Not only is this a great way to repurpose a household item, but it also eliminates the need to purchase new plastic pots for your plants.
2. Plastic Containers as Pots
Like egg cartons, some plastic containers can be used as potting containers for your urban garden. Simply poke a few holes in the bottom of your containers for drainage, add soil and your plant of choice! This is a great way to repurpose plastic containers and reduce purchasing plastic products.
3. Use Egg Shells as Slug Deterrent
If you’re battling with slugs in your garden, try using eggshells as a natural deterrent. Simply crush up the shells and sprinkle them around your plants. The sharp edges of the shells will deter slugs from crawling over them and prevent them from reaching your plants. Not only does this method save your plants from potential damage, it also helps to reduce food waste by using a common kitchen item in a new way.
4. Add Fruit Peelings to Water for Nourishment
Instead of throwing away your fruit peelings, add them to a jar of water and let it sit for a day or two. Use this nourishing water to water your flowers and plants. Nutrients from the fruit peelings will be absorbed by the water and provide extra nourishment for your plants. Tea bags are just as effective as the caffeine in tea can also benefit plant growth. This is a great way to reduce food waste and provide your plants with a natural source of nutrients.
5. Use Citrus Fruit in Water as a Natural Spray
Another use for fruit peels in your garden is to create a natural spray to prevent greenfly. Greenfly, also known as aphids, are a common pest in gardens that can cause damage to plants. Greenfly, however, are repelled by the scent of citrus fruits, soaking citrus peels in a jar of water for a day or so, and then using the water as a spray will keep greenfly away. It’s a natural and eco-friendly alternative to using chemical sprays.
There are many creative and eco-friendly ways to reuse recyclable materials for your urban garden. Not only do these methods help to reduce waste and save money, but they also add a unique and personal touch to your green space. Next time you’re ready to throw away an egg carton or fruit peeling, consider repurposing it in your urban garden. Once your seedlings have outgrown their container, they can be composted, and turned into high-quality fertilizer. Remember, any clean plastic containers can be placed in your recycling bin, they’ll also be repurposed into new products!
Keep reusing, keep recycling and we can all leave a greener footprint.
Happy planting!
