10 Free Gardening Products
By Linda Gray, Fri Dec 9th
One of the pleasurable spin-offs in organic gardening is findingalternative ways of coming up with the same, if not better, endresult..... Household throwaways can be valuable to thealternate enthusiast. Here are ten recyclable ideas to makegardening a little less hard on the pocket!
1. Hedge clippings: Instead of burning or directcomposting, beg, borrow or even buy, if the quantity justifiesthe price, an electric garden muncher. Branches up to an inch indiameter are posted into a slot and the machine munches them upinto small chips. Spread these chips thickly around shrubs orfruit trees to help keep moisture in, and control thetemperature of the soil.
2. Food Waste: All food waste must be composted.Composting is becoming quite an art form, and special compostingbins can be bought, or very simply made. There are manydifferent theories and each gardener will find his or herpreferred way. Keeping the compost fairly warm is the overallkey to a good result. Or, if you're in no hurry, simply keepadding to a heap, and dig out the bottom when required. Sievebefore using and the compost will be ready for planting smallplants and even seeds.
3. Old carpets, large damaged cardboard boxes; andsimilar materials can be laid over the vegetable plot in autumnto help prevent those early spring weeds appearing. Spread overa whole patch and weigh down with stones or logs. Lift off on asunny day in early spring a few days before digging.
4. Paint trays: Keep old roller painting trays andsimilar containers for seed trays. Punch a few holes in thebottom for drainage. Add a little fine gravel before fillingwith seed compost. Seed trays shouldn't be deeper than 15cm.
5. Yoghurt pots: All plastic yoghurt or dessert pots canbe washed and saved for re-potting seedlings. Make a hole in thebottom of each and add a little fine gravel before filling withcompost or soil..
6. Glass jars: Glass jars with sealable lids areexcellent for storing seeds, beans and peas for planting nextyear. (Safe from mice as well) After washing the jars, dry inthe oven to remove all traces of moisture before storing yourseeds. Collect dark glass jars, or wrap paper round clear jarsto prevent seeds being damaged by light.
7. Ice Lolly sticks: Make perfect row markers in yourseed trays or