We all use toilet paper, and once the roll is finished, we typically toss the empty cardboard tube in the trash. But did you know that these empty toilet rolls can be repurposed in creative ways, especially in the garden? Instead of throwing them away, give them a second life by using them to enhance your garden’s growth and overall environment. In this article, we’ll explore seven clever ways to reuse toilet paper rolls in your garden, making your green space more eco-friendly and sustainable.
### **Why Reuse Toilet Rolls in the Garden?**
Before we dive into the specific ways to repurpose toilet rolls, let’s take a moment to consider why this is a great idea:
1. **Eco-Friendly**: Reusing materials like toilet rolls reduces waste and keeps them out of landfills.
2. **Affordable**: Toilet rolls are free and easy to find, making them a cost-effective addition to your gardening routine.
3. **Sustainability**: Reusing everyday household items in the garden is an excellent way to practice sustainability and reduce your environmental impact.
Now, let’s explore seven ways you can transform your empty toilet rolls into practical gardening tools
### **1. Use as Seed Starters**
One of the most popular ways to reuse toilet rolls in the garden is by turning them into biodegradable seed starters. They’re the perfect size for starting seedlings and will break down in the soil over time.
**How to Use:**
– Cut each roll in half, then stand them up in a tray or shallow box.
– Fill each roll with potting soil and plant your seeds as you normally would.
– Once the seedlings are ready to be transplanted, you can plant the entire roll in the ground. The roll will decompose naturally, so you don’t need to worry about removing it.
This method eliminates the need for plastic containers and helps protect the fragile root systems of young plants.
### **2. Create Plant Holders for Vertical Gardens**
If you have limited space, vertical gardens are a great solution. You can use toilet rolls to help support plants that need to climb, such as peas, tomatoes, or cucumbers.
**How to Use:**
– Cut toilet rolls into shorter pieces (about 2-3 inches long).
– Stick them into the ground vertically, placing them around plants that need support.
– As your plants grow, they will have a sturdy base to cling to.
This provides a natural, sustainable option for vertical gardening, and the rolls will decompose over time.
### **3. Protect Seedlings from Pests**
Seedlings are often vulnerable to pests like slugs and snails, but you can use toilet rolls to protect them. The cardboard provides a physical barrier that keeps these unwanted visitors away.
**How to Use:**
– Place a whole toilet roll around the base of your young plants.
– This will help keep pests from attacking the seedlings while still allowing the plants to grow freely.
Additionally, this method is a great way to reduce the need for harmful pesticides, which can harm beneficial insects in the garden.
### **4. Make DIY Compostable Pots**
Toilet rolls can easily be transformed into small pots for growing plants. As the plants grow and outgrow their containers, you can plant the entire roll in the garden, where it will break down into compost, enriching the soil.
**How to Use:**
– Simply place the entire toilet roll in a tray or on a flat surface.
– Fill it with soil and plant your seeds as usual.
– Once the plants are large enough, transplant them directly into the garden, tube and all.
This method ensures you don’t waste plastic pots, and the plants are not disturbed by being moved from one container to another.
### **5. Make a Garden Tool Holder**
Another great way to use toilet rolls is to create a storage system for small garden tools or seeds. Organize your tools, twine, and other gardening supplies by creating a handy holder that keeps everything in place.
**How to Use:**
– Cut the toilet rolls into shorter sections.
– Attach them to a piece of cardboard or a wooden board, aligning them in rows.
– Use the individual compartments to store smaller garden items like seeds, markers, or even small trowels.
This is a great way to stay organized and keep your garden tools easy to access.
### **6. Help Control Weeds**
Weeds can be a constant problem in the garden, but toilet rolls can help create a barrier that limits their growth. By placing these cardboard tubes around your plants, you can control weeds without using harmful chemicals.
**How to Use:**
– Cut the toilet rolls into rings or halves.
– Place them around your plants, covering the soil.
– The cardboard helps to block sunlight from reaching weeds, preventing them from sprouting around your plants.
This natural method is not only effective, but it’s also completely biodegradable, unlike plastic weed barriers.
### **7. Make a Fun DIY Garden Decor**
Toilet rolls can even be used to make simple, eco-friendly garden decorations. You can transform them into creative items such as flower pots, wind chimes, or even garden markers.
**How to Use:**
– Cut and decorate toilet rolls to create unique garden ornaments. For example, you can make colorful garden markers by cutting the rolls into strips and painting them.
– Or, create a whimsical garden garland by stringing together decorated toilet rolls and hanging them from branches or fences.
These fun DIY projects are not only a great way to recycle materials but also add a personal touch to your garden.
### **Embrace Sustainable Gardening with Toilet Rolls**
There are countless ways to repurpose empty toilet rolls in your garden, from seed starters to pest barriers, and even decorative items. By using what you already have at home, you can practice sustainability while also enhancing the growth and health of your plants. These easy and eco-friendly solutions are a great way to reduce waste and make your garden thrive.
So, next time you finish a roll of toilet paper, don’t throw it away—recycle it into something useful for your garden. It’s a small change that can have a big impact on both your garden and the environment.