Every day, we generate waste that often ends up in the trash. And we do so without taking the time to consider other possible uses. Among the items that we tend to throw away without thinking are the cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls. However, with a simple trick, you can reuse a toilet roll as a valuable tool for your plants.
Not only is this method environmentally friendly, it also helps to reduce waste while promoting plant health in a cost-effective way. From biodegradable seedling trays to natural barriers against pests, there are many ways to bring your garden back to life. Find out how.
Plants: homemade nurseries
A popular tip among gardeners is to turn these rolls into seed trays. Thanks to their cylindrical shape and their ability to decompose naturally, they are ideal for the initial phase of growth of many plants.
To create a seedbed with these cardboard tubes, you just need to follow a few easy steps.
Start by cutting each roll in half or three pieces. Do this according to the depth needed for the roots of the seeds you want to plant. Then arrange them on a tray or in a reusable container, such as an empty milk carton or an old plastic container.
Fill each tube with soil, plant the seeds and water gently. One of the advantages of this method is that when the seedlings are ready to be replanted, it is not necessary to remove them from the tube. You can simply put them in the ground or in a larger pot. This is because the cardboard will decompose over time, thus facilitating the growth of your plants’ roots.
Protective barrier for your plants against pests
Another clever use for toilet rolls in the garden is to use them as a physical barrier to protect your plants and young seedlings.
Indeed, the first days of growth are very important for many species. of plants. And one of the most common threats comes from pests such as worms, slugs or moths.
To prevent these small predators from attacking the delicate shoots, you can cut the tubes into sections about five to ten centimeters high and place them around the stem of each plant.
This simple trick prevents insects from climbing and devouring the leaves and stems during their early stages of development.
In addition, this protection also helps seedlings grow straighter and stronger. Especially in areas exposed to wind or where light is not evenly distributed.
By acting as a support, the cardboard tube reduces the risk of the plants bending. Or growing in an unbalanced way.
Homemade mulch
Mulch forms a protective layer on the soil. It helps retain moisture, slow down the growth of weeds and improve the structure of the substrate over time. Experienced gardeners know that good mulch is essential for plant growth. For example, toilet paper roll tubes are an excellent material for creating homemade mulch.
To turn these cardboard tubes into mulch, simply cut them into small pieces. Then scatter them around your plants. These pieces of cardboard help keep the soil moist. This means you will need to water less frequently.
In addition, as the cardboard decomposes, it enriches the soil with organic matter. And, it thus improves its structure and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms.
However, it is essential not to place the mulch too close to the stems of the plants. Indeed, excess moisture in this area could promote the appearance of fungi or diseases.
Composting
Composting is an excellent method for recycling organic waste and improving soil quality. The tubes of toilet paper rolls, being made of biodegradable cardboard, can easily be integrated into the compost as dry matter.
To maximize efficiency, cut them into small pieces before adding them to the compost bin. This will speed up decomposition and facilitate moisture absorption.
The cardboard helps to balance the carbon-nitrogen ratio in the mixture. In this way, it prevents unpleasant odors and promotes the activity of beneficial microorganisms.
It also improves the aeration of the compost, thus reducing the risk of compaction. Incorporating cardboard rolls into the compost is not only an environmentally friendly approach, but also produces a natural and nutritious fertilizer for your plants.
