Ethan Clarke
Plastic is a modern convenience that has infiltrated many areas of our lives, including gardening. However, it has many negative consequences. Most plastic products are not renewable and do not decompose readily, leading to harm to ecosystems, animals, and even human health. One way to reduce plastic waste is to reuse plastic products instead of throwing them away. There are many ways to reuse plastic in the garden, from using plastic bottles as planters to making your own fertilizer. Reusing plastic bottles for a season is unlikely to have a large impact on your soil, but the effect can compound over time. It is important to consider the potential risks of introducing microplastics to your garden and take steps to minimize their impact.
How to Reuse Plastic in the Garden
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic pots and containers | Reuse plastic pots and containers instead of buying new ones. |
| Plastic planters | Cut plastic bottles in half and use them as planters or seed trays. |
| Plastic fillers | Use plastic scraps or Styrofoam at the bottom of pots or planters. |
| Plastic protection | Use plastic to protect outdoor plants during the winter or when moving. |
| Plastic irrigation | Use plastic bottles with holes poked in the bottom to irrigate plants. |
| Plastic fertiliser | Make your own fertiliser by composting food scraps and garden waste. |
| Plastic alternatives | Use cardboard egg cartons, terracotta, ceramic, wood, or metal instead of plastic. |
| Plastic reduction | Avoid using plastic in the garden, especially black plastic, which cannot be recycled. |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic bottles as planters
Plastic bottles can be used as planters in several ways. One common method is to cut a plastic bottle in half, create drainage holes in the bottom half, and use it as a planter. This can be done either by cutting the bottle horizontally for a small, personal planter or vertically for a longer planter that can be mounted on a wall. This method is particularly useful for kitchen gardens, especially for growing herbs or flowers.
Another way to use plastic bottles as planters is to fill the bottom half of the bottle with water, take the top half, turn it upside down, and place it inside the bottom half. Then, fill the top half with soil and seeds. This method ensures that the plant has access to water from the bottom reservoir and can be easily monitored.
To make pots lighter and easier to carry, plastic bottles can be placed inside large pots or planters. This method also reduces the amount of soil needed and is healthier for shallow-rooted plants. It is important to note that plants with deep roots, such as tomatoes, may not thrive in such conditions.
When reusing plastic bottles as planters, it is essential to consider the potential risk of microplastics contaminating the soil, plants, and, if applicable, the vegetables grown. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat can accelerate the breakdown of plastic bottles, releasing microplastics into the environment. Therefore, using plastic bottles as planters may be more suitable for short-term or seasonal purposes.
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Plastic containers as pot filler
Plastic containers can be used as filler in pots and planters. This is a great way to reuse plastic items and save money on soil. It also makes pots lighter and easier to carry.
To use plastic containers as filler, first, ensure they are clean, especially if you are planting something edible. Then, place the containers at the bottom of your pot or planter. You can fill the containers with something else, such as tightly capped plastic bottles, to save even more space. How much soil you will need depends on what you are planting and how deep the roots will grow. For example, flowering annuals will need 12 inches of soil, whereas shrubs will need 2 feet.
There are some drawbacks to using plastic containers as filler. As plastic slowly breaks down, chemicals can be released into the soil. Therefore, it is recommended to use this method only for non-edible plants. Plastic containers can also shift or compress over time, which could affect drainage.
If you are looking for alternatives to plastic containers, you could use rocks, sand, or crushed aluminum cans. These options are also lightweight and can help with drainage. However, aluminum cans may have sharp edges, and there is a concern about chemicals leaching from the cans into the soil. Organic materials, such as leaves or dried grass, can also be used, but they will decompose over time, affecting the filler volume.
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Plastic tote boxes as greenhouses
Plastic tote boxes can be used as mini greenhouses to start seeds and extend the growing season. This is a cheap and easy way to reuse plastic in your garden, especially if you already have a clear plastic tote box with a lid lying around your house. If not, you can find one at most dollar stores and superstores for just a few dollars.
To create a plastic tote greenhouse, make sure the tote is transparent and large enough to fit your seedlings as they grow. The lid can be clear, coloured, or opaque. Depending on the type of lid you have, there are two ways to make a DIY plastic tub greenhouse. First, if your container has a clear lid, place your seedlings inside the plastic tote and put on the lid. During the day, when temperatures reach 45°F (7°C), crack the lid to ventilate and prevent overheating. Alternatively, if your container has an opaque or coloured lid, flip over the tote and make the lid the base of your plastic container greenhouse. Place your seedlings on the inverted lid and set the tote over the top. During the day, lift the tote and prop it open with a brick or block of wood to allow airflow and prevent overheating.
It is important to monitor the temperature inside your plastic tote greenhouse, as it can get quite warm, especially on sunny days. Most vegetables do not like temperatures over 90°F (32°C), and seedlings are more tender than full-grown plants. Place a thermometer inside your plastic tote greenhouse to monitor temperatures and prevent your plants from burning. Additionally, be mindful of introducing microplastics to your garden when reusing plastic. Microplastics can contaminate the soil, your plants, and if you grow vegetables, your food.
There are also other ways to reuse plastic in your garden. Plastic objects can be recycled into pot filler materials by placing them at the bottom of your pot or planter. Bubble wrap can be used to protect outdoor plants during the winter. Plastic water bottles can be turned into irrigators by poking holes in the bottom and planting them in the soil with their necks above the soil line. You can also make your own fertiliser by composting food scraps and garden waste to reduce plastic waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your plants.
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Plastic bottles as watering cans
Plastic bottles can be reused as watering cans to help you grow plants, fruits, and vegetables. It is a great way to reuse plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. However, it is important to be mindful of introducing microplastics to your yard. Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that can contaminate the soil, your plants, and if you grow vegetables, your food. The most common plastics in bottles, PET (such as in soda bottles) and HDPE (such as in milk jugs) can both leach microplastics. Prolonged exposure to sunlight and heat can also cause the bottle to start breaking down faster, releasing microplastics.
To make a plastic bottle watering can, you will need an empty plastic bottle and a nail, thumbtack, or drill. You can use any type of bottle, such as a large jug, milk jug, or water bottle. First, clean the bottle by filling it with water, closing the cap tightly, shaking, and then pouring the water out. Do this a few times until the bottle is clean inside. If there is a label, peel it off and remove any residue.
Next, decide on the placement of the holes. Use a permanent marker to mark the spot or use masking tape to mask off the area. If you are making holes in the lid, place it on a wooden board and use a hammer and nail to create holes (adult supervision may be required). For larger holes, use a nail, and for smaller holes, use a push pin or thumbtack. You can heat the nail over a flame if the plastic is very thick. Make as many holes as you want, depending on how big you want the spray to be. A finer spray will require smaller holes. If you are making holes in the side of the bottle, create five rows of five holes each for a total of 25 holes. For a smoother flow of water, consider adding a hole above the handle with a 1/2-inch drill bit.
Once the holes are made, fill the bottle with water and screw the cap on tightly. Carry the bottle by the handle and tilt the cap downward to water your plants. Remember to monitor your watering bottle for signs of mold and bacteria, and remove the lid to let the bottle dry out completely after each use. Replace the bottle regularly to avoid the leaching of plastic into the water supply. You can also decorate your bottle with spray paint or stickers to give it a personal touch.
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Plastic bags replaced with fabric bags
Plastic is a common material in gardens, from plastic pots and planters to plastic water bottles used for irrigation. However, the environmental impact of plastic waste is significant, and plastic can contaminate soil with microplastics. One way to reduce plastic use in your garden is to switch from plastic pots to fabric grow bags.
Grow bags are large, fabric-like bags that can be filled with a growing medium and used to grow plants and vegetables. They are typically made of plastic but can also be found in several breathable fabrics, such as canvas, cotton duck fabric, burlap, heavy wool, or other biodegradable materials. Fabric grow bags are generally made from recycled plastic bags, while natural fabric bags are biodegradable and will not hold up as long as recycled plastic bags.
Fabric grow bags offer several benefits over plastic pots. Firstly, they are lightweight and easy to move around, making them convenient for renters or gardeners with small balconies. Fabric grow bags also prevent overwatering, as excess water will percolate through the fabric material, avoiding mould and fungus issues. Additionally, fabric grow bags promote air pruning of roots, preventing the roots from growing in circles and becoming root-bound, which can cause structural damage to plants.
However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when using fabric grow bags. Fabric grow bags may not be as durable as plastic pots and will need to be replaced every 2-3 growing seasons. They may also require more frequent watering due to their porous nature. Furthermore, some gardeners may find the appearance of fabric grow bags less attractive than hard-sided plastic pots.
When choosing fabric grow bags, it is important to consider the manufacturer and the materials they use. Some grow bags have been found to contain plastics that might not be safe for plants or the environment. It is recommended to select grow bags made from materials that do not leach into the soil and do not pose serious risks. Overall, fabric grow bags can be a sustainable and effective alternative to plastic pots, encouraging healthy root systems and providing versatility and convenience for gardeners.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic bottles can be cut in half and used as planters or seed trays. You can also use them as watering cans or for seed storage.
Plastic tote boxes can be used as mini-greenhouses for seed starting. Plastic food containers can be used as pot filler materials or as DIY seed-starting pots. You can also reuse plastic spray bottles as misters for your plants.
You can make your own compost or fertiliser from food scraps and garden waste. You can also use alternatives to plastic such as terracotta, ceramic, wood, metal, glass, or natural fibres.
Plastic can break down into microplastics, which can contaminate the soil and harm plants and animals. Some plastics also contain toxic chemicals that can leach into the soil and impact human health.
