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Tools that prove invaluable in gardening even though they are not designed for that purpose

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  • Oh my goodness @CrankyYankee litter comes in a jug? That's a crazy use of resources...but good on you for reusing them. So simple to package it in a strong paper bag like large sacks of flour. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I buy in bulk quite a bit and the 5 ltr chunky, robust litre bottles (ex-washing up liquid, hand soap, vinegar, etc) are brilliant for watering. I find 10 ltr watering cans pretty heavy and awkward and fives much easier. I cut off the opening and this makes it easier to fill from a tap, and pour out quicker. Keep them out of the sun and they should last for years (the UV would erode them over time).



  • @amancalledgeorge I only buy litter in jugs when I can't find the right low-dust formula in a bag, but the jugs are very handy and I must have a dozen scattered around the farm for different uses.  Spreading sand on ice, emergency water for flushing toilets when the power goes out, mixing stinky sprays to ward off woodchucks, etc. 
    New England, USA
    Metacomet soil with hints of Woodbridge and Pillsbury
  • CeresCeres Posts: 2,698
    Tiny water "jug" that came with an iron. Great for watering delicate seedlings.
    Drumsticks and string......row marker.
    Soft drink bottle cut to form a scoop for bird food.
    Soft drink bottles to keep slugs off seedlings, or sunk into the ground to water the roots of plants.
    Duvet cover cut into strips to shade the greenhouse.

  • RubytooRubytoo Posts: 1,630
    An old saw.
    Repotting root pruning. Watched someone who is a successful professional nurseryman/woman on the Yew Tubes using one a year or so ago.
    Works very nicely, quick and tidy.

    Probably not great for large specimens with the kind of root that would get too damaged, and need more individual or kinder treatment.


  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,043
    Various supermarket packaging makes good containers for growing seeds and the clear plastic lidded containers are good to use as propagators.
    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    edited 7 February
    CrankyYankee said:
    Plastic jugs that kitty litter comes in make great watering cans - they have handles and all I need to do is drill holes in the screw top. 
    That sounds useful. Cat litter comes in paper sacks here, like this (other brands/supermarket own brands available)


    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    I use a lot of old wine corks to put on the end of bamboo canes. Works very well. Esp useful for public plantings
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    Old pillows in bin bags tied round compost bins to keep the heat in. Doesn't look very elegant but works a treat.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Power drill driver and plasterboard screws. Use with recycled timber for making frames, supports etc. Better than hammer and nails,  as just as easy to take appart as to build.
    AB Still learning

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