Interesting list

This list was put together by the Master Gardeners of Hawaii Island...thought i would share it with you guys....

Helpful Tips from Hawaii Island Master Gardeners
RECYCLING IN THE GARDEN

REDUCE
RETHINK the packaging of an item before you buy it. Buy the least amount of packaging.

REUSE
Think of ways you can reuse packaging.
REUSE is better than throwing it away or using up energy to recycle.

RECYCLE
Know what kinds of items can be recycled, and where you can take them for recycling.


Try some of these great ideas!

ALUMINUM SODA CANS
Cutworm Barriers: Recyclable—HI 5 cents!—but one cutup soda can = several “collars”.

PLASTIC YOGURT CUPS
Plant Tags: Cut up into strips and use a grease pencil or “paint pen” for labeling.
Cutworm Barriers: Cut off bottoms and place around new seedlings.
Plant Coasters: Use lids under small indoor potted plants. (Lids from larger plastic
containers also work well.)
Pots: Punch holes on bottom for drainage.

CLEAR PLASTIC TAKEOUT LUNCH “CLAMSHELLS”
Mini Greenhouses: Start seedlings, keep moist. Punch holes on the bottom for drainage.

VENETIAN BLINDS
Plant Tags: Allow you to write BIG, highly visible labels.

MILK CARTONS
Seed Starters: Staple shut, cut one long side open, cut holes on bottom for drainage.
Or use vertically to grow plants with longer roots.

PLASTIC MILK JUGS
Watering cans.
Store/Mix Containers for fertilizers.
Fruit Fly Traps.
Hanging Potted Plant Containers: Cut opening, leave handle area intact to hang plant.
Hydroponic lettuce – free how-to publication available from UH Cooperative Extension.

CLEAR PLASTIC SODA BOTTLES
Scoops: Cut bottom at an angle to make a scoop for potting soil, fertilizers.
Cloches/Bell Jars/Mini Greenhouses: Cut off bottom and place over plant.
Recyclable if marked HI 5 cents.

PLASTIC DIAPER/HAND WIPES CONTAINERS
Tangle-free Twine Dispensers: Put twine in container, thread end through opening.

PLASTIC TOFU CONTAINERS, EGG CARTONS
Seed Starters. Note: Some chicken farmers will take back egg cartons.

PLASTIC LAUNDRY DETERGENT CONTAINERS
Watering cans.
Scoops: cut at at angle to make a large scoop for potting media, fertilizer, etc.

CARDBOARD, NEWSPAPER
Weed control: Lay down as mulch to suppress weeds. Breaks down as compost.
Compost Piles/Bins: A “brown” carbon component. Excellent bedding for worm bins.

PANTYHOSE
Plant/tree ties:
1. Cut toe out of thigh-high pantyhose; cut thigh elastic off too.
2. Put arm thru the pantyhose so the toe end is at your fingers and the thigh end up to
the top of your arm.
3. Starting at the top of your arm roll the pantyhose down to the tips of your fingers
so it forms a tight ring.
4. Cut the ring into sections the width of ties you want. Can be cut down into pieces as
small as 1/8ths so you get 8 ties.
5. The toe or foot part you can fill with chicken manure and attach it above any epiphytes growing in trees...the rain washes the 'juice'onto the roots...YUM.

CLEAR PLASTIC ZIP-CLOSE BAGS
Mini Greenhouse.

PLASTIC KITTY LITTER CONTAINERS
Store potting mix, amendments, fertilizers, etc.
Container gardening: cut hole in bottom for drainage.
Buckets to use for weeding, carrying tools, etc.

RUBBER TIRES
Planters: Cut off rims, place on ground and fill with soil or planting media.


NOW ADD YOUR OWN IDEAS!!!




updated 10/08/07