Garden Tools

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-630 -- More Projects »

Master gardener Kate Karam explains how to use common household items as gardening tools for the beginning gardener. Tools like these enable you to simultaneously save money and recycle.

Figure A

Orange and grapefruit peels make great seed containers (figure A). When the seed matures, simply transplant the entire peel container to the soil. The peel will degrade, and the smell of citrus will ward off many animal pests.

Figure B

For larger seeds such as corn that don't respond well to being transplanted, try planting the seed in a berry basket (figure B). Line the basket with a paper towel first, then fill with soil. Plant the entire basket in the soil. This will prevent pests from burrowing into the earth to eat the seedling.

Figure C

Cut away the bottom section of a plastic milk carton to create a scoop that can hold tons of soil (figure C). These are especially useful if you are making your own soil mix.

With houseplants that have moss covering the soil, use a turkey baster to slip water under the moss. Wetting decorative moss causes it to rot and could eventually damage the plant.

Also in this Episode

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-630
•	Homemade Eye Masks
•	Garden Tools
•	Dressed-Up Dishes
•	Smart Solution of the Day

Gardening

Garden Tools

Tools

MOST POPULAR

Home and Garden Ideas from our sponsors