5 Things to Reuse in the Garden this Winter

My allotment is owned by the Council so it makes sense to be spend as little money as possible, or nothing at all on it, in case we move in the future. I spent a few too many pennies on peat free compost when starting my no-dig plot so I need to ensure the next growing season is a bit more self sufficient. That’s where gardening hacks come to play, thanks to my trusty allotment neighbours.

Bubble wrap | Have a greenhouse or Coldframe? Use Bubblewrap to insulate your plants home during the winter months. I stick it on my mini greenhouse windows and lay it underneath the plants in my cold frame, raising the temperature by a couple of degrees. Keep em’ snug.

Cardboard | I’ve put some of my winter beds to sleep now. I might even have whispered ‘goodnight’ as I give them a well deserved rest up on the hill. I’ve covered them with autumn leaves, some leftover fish blood and bone fertilizer, then topped with cardboard as a mulch. The worms will work their magic and before I know it the soil will be ready for spring planting.

Seeds | This is my first year collecting seeds from crops I have grown myself. It’s probably one of the most rewarding things I’ve experienced in my growing journey over the past year. Not only do you get to enjoy the harvest from all your hard work, but you can continue it into the future. Magic.

Broken Pottery | It’s inevitable that you’re going to experience a broken pot. I’m the clumsy one who whilst potting-on in a rush before work would drop a pot or two. Bu even broken planters have their uses. You can add them to compost in containers to improve drainage or use them to make plant labels too.

Spent coffee grounds | Adding used coffee grounds directly to your plants as a fertilizer will slowly add nitrogen to the soil. Just like a morning cup of coffee gives you a boost, add used coffee grounds to your beds in winter and it will give your soil a pick-me-up, ready for planting in spring.