If you’re like most people, you probably toss empty toilet rolls into the trash without giving them a second thought. But did you know these simple cardboard tubes can actually be a game-changer in your garden? Instead of throwing them away, you can repurpose them into eco-friendly, budget-friendly tools that will benefit your plants and help you create a healthier, more sustainable garden. In this article, we’ll explore **10 genius ways to reuse empty toilet rolls** in your garden and transform your space with minimal effort
### **1. Seed Starters: An Eco-Friendly Way to Start Your Garden**
Toilet rolls are perfect for creating **homemade seed starters**. Simply stand them up in a tray, fill them with soil, and plant your seeds inside. The cardboard tube acts as a biodegradable pot, allowing your seedlings to grow strong. Once they’ve developed enough, you can transplant them directly into your garden — tube and all. This prevents transplant shock and reduces waste
**Pro Tip**: Ensure the tubes are upright and stable by placing them in a seedling tray or an egg carton.
### **2. Composting Aid: Accelerate the Decomposition Process**
Toilet rolls break down easily, making them a great addition to your **compost pile**. When you toss them in, they help balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, creating a healthier compost mix. The cardboard also encourages the growth of beneficial microbes, which help break down organic matter more quickly.
**Tip**: Tear up the toilet rolls into smaller pieces before adding them to the compost pile for faster decomposition.
### **3. Protect Seedlings from Slugs and Snails**
Slugs and snails can be a major problem in the garden, especially when seedlings are young and vulnerable. You can use toilet rolls to create protective barriers around your **delicate plants**. Simply cut the rolls in half and place them around the base of each seedling. The cardboard creates a physical barrier, preventing these slimy pests from reaching your plants.
**Tip**: For added protection, you can sprinkle a little diatomaceous earth around the edges of the tube to further deter pests.
### **4. DIY Plant Labels**
Instead of buying expensive plant markers, **reuse toilet rolls** to create your own eco-friendly labels. Cut the rolls into smaller pieces, then use a permanent marker to write the name of the plant and its variety. These homemade plant markers are perfect for organizing your garden and keeping track of your plantings.
**Tip**: Use a sharpie or paint for clearer markings that won’t fade over time.
### **5. Mulch Maker: Make Your Own Garden Mulch**
Cut up toilet rolls into strips and add them to your garden beds as **mulch**. The cardboard will help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature consistent, especially during hot summer months. Plus, as the strips break down, they’ll add valuable organic matter to your soil.
**Pro Tip**: Combine the cardboard strips with other organic mulches, such as leaves or grass clippings, for better coverage and moisture retention.
### **6. DIY Plant Supports for Climbing Plants**
Empty toilet rolls can be used as an innovative way to support **climbing plants** like peas or beans. Simply roll the tubes and tie them together to create a sturdy, vertical structure for plants to grow on. This is an excellent way to save space in smaller gardens and encourage healthy vertical growth.
**Tip**: Arrange the rolls in a teepee or grid shape for added stability and support for vining plants.
### **7. Protect Your Plants During Frost**
In areas with cold winters, young plants can be vulnerable to frost damage. Toilet rolls can be repurposed as **miniature plant protectors**. Simply place the tube around the base of the plant to create a small, insulated barrier that shields the plant from the harsh winter chill.
**Pro Tip**: You can also wrap the tubes in fabric or burlap for added insulation.
### **8. Bird Feeder: A Fun DIY Project**
To attract birds to your garden, why not create a simple and fun **toilet roll bird feeder**? Spread peanut butter over the outside of a toilet roll and roll it in birdseed. Hang it from a tree or shrub, and watch the birds flock to your garden This is a great project for kids, and it’s a great way to reuse toilet rolls while helping local wildlife.
**Tip**: You can also fill the tube with lard and birdseed to create a longer-lasting treat for the birds.
### **9. Rooting Pots for Cuttings**
To encourage **plant propagation**, you can use toilet rolls as rooting pots. Cut the roll in half and fill it with soil. Insert plant cuttings into the soil and keep them in a warm, bright area until roots begin to form. The toilet roll can be directly planted in the soil when the roots are ready, eliminating the need for transplanting.
**Pro Tip**: Use a mixture of peat and perlite for an ideal growing medium that encourages root growth.
### **10. DIY Garden Twine Dispenser**
Instead of letting your garden twine get tangled in a mess, use a toilet roll as a **twine dispenser**. Simply slide the twine through the center of the roll and pull it out as needed. This is an easy way to keep your twine organized and ready for use in the garden.
**Tip**: You can use this method for other gardening supplies like wire or string to keep everything neat and easily accessible.
Reusing empty toilet rolls in the garden is not only a creative and sustainable way to repurpose waste, but it also helps improve your gardening experience in numerous ways. From seed starters and compost aids to plant protectors and bird feeders, these everyday household items can make a huge difference in your garden’s success.
So, before you toss that empty toilet roll into the trash, think about how it can contribute to a healthier, more eco-friendly garden. By incorporating these **10 genius ways to reuse toilet rolls** in your gardening routine, you’ll be transforming trash into treasure — all while supporting the environment and enhancing your plants’ growth.