It’s that time of year again when we’re all looking to get our gardens in order. One of the best ways to make your garden look great is to reuse plastic containers for planting. Not only does it save you some money, but it can also give your garden a unique look. Here are a few tips on how to reuse plastic containers for your garden.
1. Use old jugs, soft drink bottles, fruit jugs, etc. to water your plants
Do you have a bunch of old plastic jugs and bottles taking up space in your recycling bin? Put them to good use by repurposing them as plant watering jugs! Simply clean out the containers and punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage.
Fill the jugs with water and place them near your plants. The water will slowly seep out of the holes, watering your plants deeply and evenly. This is a great way to reuse plastic containers, and it can help to save money on your water bill.
So next time you’re about to recycle those old plastic jugs, think twice and put them to good use in your garden!
2. Repurpose containers as seed starters
Summer is the perfect time to start planning your garden, and one way to save money is to reuse plastic containers as seed starters. Most homes have plenty of plastic containers that could be repurposed for this purpose, such as plastic cups or egg boxes.
Simply clean the containers and make sure they have drainage holes in the bottom. fill the containers with potting mix, and then plant the seeds according to package directions.
Once the seedlings are large enough to transplant, simply dig a hole in your garden bed and carefully transfer the seedlings to their new home. Not only is this a thrifty way to get your garden started, but it’s also eco-friendly. So why not give it a try?
3. Create a vertical garden with recycled materials
Vertical gardens are a great solution for small spaces or difficult growing conditions. And the best part is that you can make one using recycled materials! One easy way to create a vertical garden is to reuse plastic containers.
Simply drill a few holes in the bottom of the container for drainage and fill with potting mix. Then plant your favorite herbs, flowers, or vegetables. You can hang your container garden on a fence or railing, or place it on a windowsill or patio table.
Another option is to repurpose an old ladder as a plant stand. Just lean the ladder against a wall and arrange pots of plants on each step. Make sure to choose a sturdy ladder that won’t tip over easily. For an extra bit of flair, paint your ladder in bright colors or patterns.
4. Make a rain barrel out of a plastic drum
One of the best ways to reuse plastic containers is to make a rain barrel out of a plastic drum. This is a great way to save water and reduce runoff during storms. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by drilling holes in the bottom of the plastic drum. This will allow water to drain out of the barrel.
2. Next, cut a hole in the side of the drum near the top. This will be used to fill the barrel with water.
3. Cover the holes on the bottom of the barrel with a piece of screen or mesh. This will keep out debris and insects.
4. Finally, attach a spigot to the side of the barrel so you can easily access the stored water.
Making a rain barrel is a simple and effective way to reuse plastic containers. Not only does it help to conserve water, but it also reduces runoff during storms.
5. Collect rainwater in garbage cans to use for watering plants
One of the simplest ways to save water is to collect rainwater and reuse it to water your plants. A single rainstorm can yield a significant amount of water, which can be easily collected in plastic garbage cans or barrels.
Be sure to place the containers near your downspouts so that they can catch the water as it runs off your roof. Once the rain stops, you can then use the collected water to irrigate your garden or lawn.
Not only will this save you money on your water bill, but it will also help to reduce the strain on local water resources. So next time it rains be sure to take advantage of the free water falling from the sky.
6. Make a water sprinkler out of bottles
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to reuse those plastic water bottles, why not turn them into a DIY water sprinkler? It’s a great way to recycle, and it’s a lot of fun for the kids on a hot summer day.
All you need are some empty plastic bottles, a drill, and some bottle caps. Drill a hole in the bottom of each bottle, screw on the bottle caps, and then connect all of the bottles together with a piece of hose.
Once you’ve done that, just attach the hose to your garden hose and you’re ready to go. The kids will love running through the spray, and you’ll love knowing that you’re doing your part to reuse plastic.
7. Make a cycle and self-watering planter
Why spend money on a self-watering planter when you can easily make your own? With a little bit of reuse plastic containers and some basic supplies, you can create a planter that will keep your plants healthy and hydrated. 12
Start by drilling holes in the bottom of the container for drainage. Next, line the container with a layer of rocks or gravel. This will help to improve drainage and prevent roots from becoming waterlogged.
Finally, fill the container with potting mix and plant your favorite flowers or vegetables. Water the plants thoroughly and then add a layer of mulch on top. You should now have a self-watering planter that will help your plants thrive.
8. Turn it into a plant protector
Have you ever thought about reuse plastic containers serve as plant protector? If not, maybe you should! Here are a few reasons why reuse plastic containers make great plant protectors. First of all, they are lightweight and easy to move around, so you can simply pick up your plants and relocate them if necessary.
Secondly, they provide great drainage for your plants, allowing excess water to escape and preventing the roots from becoming waterlogged. Finally, reuse plastic containers offer a degree of protection from extreme weather conditions, such as harsh sunlight or strong winds.
So next time you’re looking for a way to protect your plants, consider using reuse plastic containers!
9. Turn it into an eco-brick
One way to reuse plastic containers is to turn them into eco-bricks. Eco bricks are made by filling a plastic container with small pieces of plastic, tightly packing it, and then sealing the container.
The resulting brick can be used in construction projects or as a fill for other purposes. While there are many ways to reuse plastic containers, making eco-bricks is a simple and effective way to reduce waste and help the environment.
If you have plastic containers that you would like to reuse, consider turning them into eco-bricks.
10. Make a lot partition and plant fence
There are so many ways to reuse plastic containers! One great way is to turn them into partitions or fences for your plants. This is especially useful if you have a lot of plants that need separation or if you want to create a mini-garden.
It’s easy to do and only requires a few materials. First, gather your plastic containers and make sure they are clean. You will also need some scissors and duct tape. Cut the bottom off of the plastic containers so that they are open at the top and bottom.
Then, line them up in the desired configuration and duct tape them together. Finally, fill the containers with soil and plant your desired plants. That’s it! You now have a partition or fence made from plastic containers that can help protect your plants.
11. Create a trash bin out of plastic containers
You can reuse plastic containers to make a great trash bin. You’ll need a container that is big enough to fit your waste, a lid, and some handles. Cut two holes in the lid of the container, and then attach the handles to the holes.
You can use screws, nails, or even glue to attach the handles. Now you have a sturdy trash bin that you can use over and over again. Plus, it’s way better for the environment than using disposable paper or plastic bags.
12. Do a bird feeder with it
One simple way to reuse plastic containers is to turn them into bird feeders. First, clean the container and punched a few holes in the bottom for drainage. Next, fill the container with bird seed and attach a wire hanger to the top.
Finally, find a place to hang your new feeder and enjoy watching the birds! This project is not only fun, but it also helps to reduce waste and support local wildlife.
In summary
If you’re like most people, you probably go through a lot of plastic containers. Soft drinks in bottles, deli containers, and take-out boxes can all find new life as planters in your garden. Not only does this help keep your garden organized, but it also saves you money on buying pots and planting materials.
