Spring is in the air, birds are singing, flowers are blooming and most importantly the days are getting longer! This is the perfect time of year for the green-fingered (and even not so-green-fingered) among us to venture back out into nature. Is your garden in need of a little TLC? You may find these ideas to repurpose and reuse items in your garden helpful - with a little effort you can have a superb waste-free garden to be proud of.
Old gardening equipment
We’ve all got odd bits and bobs in our garden shed that we barely use! If you have old gardening equipment, such as shovels, rakes and gloves, consider donating them to a local gardening club, community garden or a charity shop. If they are beyond repair, find out where best to take them using our Recycling Locator.
Tools in any condition can also be donated to organisations such as Workaid and The Conservation Foundation who repair and put them to good use in the UK and overseas.
Plant pots and containers
Organic materials
Save money on fertilisers and pesticides by using what you already have. Egg-shells can add calcium to your soil and coffee grounds can be used as a natural fertiliser. Wood ash can also be used to fertilise your soil or add to your composter.
Rainwater
Instead of wasting precious tap water on your plants try placing buckets, old pots, watering cans, or any waterproof container you can get your hands on to collect rainwater to use in your garden. It’s free and saves water wastage.
Wood
If you have old wood lying around in your garden, it could be repurposed into a structure, such as raised flower beds and compost bins. It’s a good way to use up some old materials and add a rustic and natural look to your space.
If you would rather dispose of it, then wood in good condition can often be taken to your local Household Waste and Recycling Centre, check if yours accepts it using the Recycling Locator. If the wood is rotten or unusable, it could go on your compost heap (if it is paint-free) or, if you don’t have a compost, it will need to be disposed of in black bin waste or with rubble at your local recycling centre.
Composting
To give your garden even more love why not try composting? This is a great way to save money and resources while improving the soil in your garden and reducing your impact on the environment. It’s super simple to set up and your plants and flowers will thrive! Set up home composting and you will be well on your way to creating a waste-free, nutrient-rich garden. Top tip: Chuck old soil on your compost heap, it will soon mix with the rest to create new compost.
Garden waste
If you don’t have space for a composter, then garden waste can be recycled instead. It’s accepted by most local authorities. You can recycle: homegrown fruit and vegetables, leaves, flowers, grass and weeds, tree bark and pruned branches and twigs. Check your local council collections for information about garden waste, and to order a garden waste collection bin.
