It’s still very much winter here in Northern Wisconsin {thanks to the Leap Day Blizzard, we’re finally enjoying a few feet of beautiful snow} but I am aware that elsewhere in the country, March is actually considered a spring month. And many of you are already planning your gardens, so today we’re looking at how reusing everyday household things can help make our gardens more successful and our wallets happy.
1. Those of you that are already starting seeds or thinking about doing so soon- start saving up your used toilet paper rolls and give them a second-life as a seed tube! Not sure when you should be starting seeds? Go here and enter your zipcode for a complete seed-starting calender! {Example: Today is “start cabbage indoors” for 54891}
2. Do you have old storm windows laying around, or maybe you came across a set of them at a garage sale? That is prime cold-frame material! Cold-frames are essential for extending our short growing season around here. You will be happy you made one when you’re munching tender spring lettuce from it when there’s still snow on the ground, and then again in early winter when your summer and fall plantings of lettuces are still going strong. Directions for assembling one here.
3. When we moved to our little farm, we discovered a rather large pile of old lumber {probably remnants from the house remodel that took place about ten years ago} just rotting away in the woods behind the house. We dug through it and found several nice pieces that could be saved and put to a good use. A potato box is a great project for any old wood scraps you may have laying around that doesn’t require the lumber to be strong or in great shape. With your potato box, you’ll be able to plant about 100 lbs of potatoes in just 4 square feet, saving you tons of garden space. Click here for directions.
4. This one is a double-whammy: reuse rain water AND reuse an old garbage can/barrel/stock tank by making a rain barrel to water your garden with! Directions right here.
What are you doing in preparation for gardening season? Reusing anything in a creative way?