Us allotment holders are wombles. We can’t help ourselves when it comes to making good use of things that we find. For that reason, allotment sites can often feel like a strange, almost post-apolocalyptic World, where people have been forced to scavenge for junk that they can reuse to build shelters and grow their own food.
There are certain finds that are more appealing to allotment plot holders. Pallets, old windows and for a reason I don’t fully understand, bathtubs! I’ve definitely seen a fair few floral displays spilling from an old bath tub at my site! Reusing other peoples rubbish is something I absolutely love to do. It fills me with a strange sense of pride and joy to be able to rescue something from being thrown into a pit in the ground and repurpose it for my needs.
Seed sowing season is almost upon us and I thought I would share a few brilliant things I’m scavenging away for my baby seedlings. It’s always good to collect early so that you have everything ready to go when the time is right. It also stops you from rushing out to buy a load of plastic crap you probably didn’t need!
COFFEE CUPS
I usually bring a cup with me when buying coffee, if not to help the environment, because you often get a discount when you do! But this Christmas, I bought lots of coffee in shop cups so I have some new pots ready to sow my seeds in.
Coffee cups are really good for this as they obviously hold water well. So you only need to punch a few small holes in the bottom to create a pretty good pot.
However, don’t be fooled into thinking these cups can be placed directly into the ground to decompose. Unfortunately, most coffee shop coffee cups are only recyclable in specialised facilities. There are exceptions to the rule, but do check with your coffee shop before plunging these into the ground!
TOILET ROLLS
We all have them, right?! These little beautiful make perfect sweet pea flower and sweetcorn starters thanks to their length. Both of these plants have lovely long roots.
Simply fold the bottom of the roll to create a base for the soil, leaving a little hole for drainage.The only problem I’ve found with these as seed pots is that they dry out quickly, so be sure to remember to water them regularly.
Roots will more than likely start growing out of the side of the cardboard tubes themselves, so no need to take them out when planting into your garden. Simply bury the entire thing in the ground. Worms will love you!
PLASTIC BOTTLES
I’ve started to save a few of these for covering seedlings when they start to spout. Not only do they protect from slugs and snails, they also create a little greenhouse effect, keeping seedlings nice and warm.
Be sure to remove all labels and if you can leave a small hole in the top somewhere, all the better. This will allow in some rain and give the plant some fresh air, helping it to become accustomed to the outside climate for when you finally remove them.
Just be warned, they wont provide complete protection from slugs and snails, so use other methods of protection alongside them!
Are you up cycling anything for your allotment gardens this year?
