Gardeners can put toilet paper rolls to good use after the paper is all used up. As TikToker Amy the Lockdown Gardener's (@thelockdowngardener) video showed, you can sow sweet peas by using the rolls as containers.
The scoop
Sowing seeds in ideal conditions gives them a better chance of producing healthy plants.
@thelockdowngardener Did you know that toilet rolls are perfect for growing sweet peas? 🌱 #sowseeds #amateurgardening #gardeningtipsforbeginners #recyclingideas ♬ What You Won't Do for Love - Bobby Caldwell
Why use toilet paper rolls for sowing sweet peas? The long cylinder shape of the rolls provides enough space for plants like sweet peas that prefer deep and narrow roots to thrive.
Start by cutting four ½-inch slits on one end. Then fold them over each other, tape them closed, and fill the rolls with the dirt and seeds. You can fit several "sowed" toilet paper roll containers in a plastic tray. Cover them and keep them warm and moist as the plants sprout.
How it's helping
Even if you sow the peas directly in the ground with the toilet paper rolls, those rolls will naturally dissolve — they come from trees, so they're biodegradable. Therefore, you don't have to worry about removing them later.
That said, some gardeners do have concerns about whether this method may release synthetic glues or other harmful chemicals used to create cardboard into the soil. If you see visible evidence of glue or have any question about the chemical content, it may be best to avoid this process in any areas where plants are grown for food.
Find the best HVAC solution to heat and cool your home more efficiently Mitsubishi Electric’s efficient heating and cooling HVAC solutions can help you stay comfortable no matter the weather or region. You can even regulate temperatures in each room with individually controlled all-electric heat pump systems. With an energy-efficient, all-climate system from Mitsubishi, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, receive up to $2,000 in tax credits, and get peace of mind knowing you’re choosing rigorously tested, high-quality products. |
Once you have enough rolls to sow seeds, shred other rolls and cardboard products into compost or layer them in using the lasagna mulch method, which alternates green and brown natural materials.
As it decomposes in the soil, the carbon release balances the nitrogen levels and suppresses weeds. Plus, earthworms love eating them, so their left-behind castings add even more nutrition.
When you place cardboard in landfills, you're wasting a product that can be recycled or break down in a more eco-friendly way in compost or gardens. When wasting away in a trash dump, the material can emit harmful methane gas linked to climate warming that contributes to extreme weather events. Plus, one metric tonne (1.1 tons) of recycled cardboard saves 700 gallons of water, according to GreenMatch.
|
How often will you be gardening this summer? Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. |
Every day 🥗 Learn more about your recycling options with TCD's guide.
TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
What everyone's saying
Overall, the comments were positive, as one person said, "I used toilet rolls [to] sow my first ever sweet peas this year! They're doing so well, super busy and healthy."
Another said, "Love this."
However, one person noted, "TP rolls did not work for me."
Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Cool Picks
