NEVER Trash These 6 Things: Save Them To GROW MORE FOOD!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If you enjoyed this video, please "Like" and share to help increase its reach! Thanks for watching 😊TIMESTAMPS for convenience: 0:00 Reusing Household Items Intro 0:54 Tip #1: Reusing Containers 2:58 Tip #2: Reusing Milk Jugs 4:12 Tip #3: Reusing Cardboard 6:42 Tip #4: Reusing Egg Cartons 7:59 Tip #5: Reusing Sheets 9:15 Tip #6: Reusing Fabrics 11:01 Adventures With Dale

[@AlvinMcManus]

You were singing my song. I don't throw good stuff away. That's why I have 3 storage buildings on the lot!!! Love the fence too, but it looks like it could use a nice coat of stain.

[@robynobrien3610]

My egg cartons got moldy last year when I tried to start seeds…

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@robynobrien3610 you may want to try less moisture or keep them in a sunnier location. The soil was probably too chronically wet and there wasn't enough sunlight to sterilize the surface. Allowing the top 1/4 inch to dry out will prevent that.

[@lezaannnorman6780]

I’m in W-S and did you say you have a Meyer Lemon bush? Are you closer to the beach? I love lemons and would love to get a lemon plant. Any help/instructions welcomed🤗

[@f_USAF-Lt.G]

1) The original plastic plant containers can be better accommodated with plastic food containers used to hold 1/4" water & as greenhouse cover for sprouting 2) the milk jugs & laundry detergent bottles are great scoops for soil materials 3) corrugated is two outer sheets that contain a "ripple sheet" that can be used as moisture retention in the garden shallows (and you want to pull the layers apart to shred, or... Jamming) 4) the egg cartons can be placed into the "lid" to help moisture retention with less watering for sprouting 5) fitted sheets are great for after night time watering for the evaporative misting from morning sun, but also to line around your "edging detail" for collection of usable soil for mixing with potting mix 6) "nothing beats a great pair of Leggs" for tying splices and even as sleeves for insect protection or break bindings All very re-usable and quite proper tools for the work_ just, be educated in the hazards those introductory common tools can cause that newer products for agriculture were designed to avoid...

[@thehairs2018]

Old tee shirts torn into 2" wide strips make good plant ties

[@TheMillennialGardener]

My old t-shirts become my garden shirts. I wear them til they turn into dust 😂

[@markoliver4194]

Never throw away wire. Never

[@angelika77st]

@@markoliver4194 true. You guys are great

[@denesestanley7011]

@@markoliver4194 I hear you

[@helennelmes7560]

Brilliant!

[@loverlyme]

Another good use for old hoisery: put the pantyhose over the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner. Brush this around the area where you've lost something (eg an earring down the back of a dresser) and you can pick up the item without it being swallowed up by the vacuum's stomach.

[@terryhall2299]

Good tip!

[@reneap9049]

Genius!! ❤

[@draganarc0131]

I do that with the shop vac to harvest small seeds such as lettuce and carrot seeds. Works awesome.

[@harborgirl8877]

Wow! good tip!!!

[@RErnie-gv1hv]

Retired panty-hose are useful for holding aquarium charcoal. After changing the charcoal the used stuff goes to the plant shed for mixing into potting soil, compost, etc.

[@teresaremaniak856]

In the winter we use the rectangular, salad greens containers from the grocery as mini greenhouses for our seedlings. Easily stackable when storing, taking up little space.

[@LoveMusic-pd5iz]

I do the same thing. I'm no longer physically able to keep my winter greens going and don't have a greenhouse. I was angry at not finding loose greens for sale near my new home...just those darn plastic container. Well, using them repeatedly for mini greenhouses at least keeps them from being 'single use' plastic.

[@HighLevelNinja]

I do the same thing with the domed take-out containers.

[@cc83jc85]

Thanks for this….I’ve kept those containers for my patchwork…but at the moment I have long COVID and can’t sew…so for my new hobby gardening, I’m learning about so many ideas with you people…thanks again!😊

[@teresaremaniak856]

@@cc83jc85 I’m sorry about the long covid. I hope you find a new joy in gardening and healing for your health.

[@cathywhite1470]

I drive my husband crazy "hoarding" salad containers and old water jugs!!! Good to know Im not alone😂

[@hannahlevy6074]

I agree that shredding cardboard is best, but my shredder gets jammed. Instead I get the cardboard soaking wet. This makes it easy to take off any packaging tape and to tear it in small pieces.

[@patriciatinkey2677]

That's my method, too. 🌝

[@KellyScott11]

Same! My neighbors think I'm crazy

[@f_USAF-Lt.G]

3 layers: The corrugated layer is the "wrinkled" center in between two flat sheets (they can be peeled apart) A guy I know tears up corrugated to soak with shredded junk mail, ads, and newspaper circulars... He presses it into "logs" to Sun-dry for use in his wood burning stove🙂

[@LLjean-qz7sb]

You might need a commercial shredder for your cardboard. Amazon has them for around $200.00.

[@cris_miko]

I really LOVE a channel that gives me permission to not throw things away!

[@zombiemom5088]

No one throws anything away in my house without asking me first 🤣😂🤣

[@mariap.894]

Zombiemom@Same here! And if they do...I'll get it back from the recycling 🤣🤣 nothing gets passed by me😉👍💜

[@lauriecampbell1586]

I just put my cardboard boxes out in the rain next to my compost pile. When they are wet it's easier to shred by hand and remove any tape.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If your goal is to compost them, yes. If you want to use them as weed barrier, I'd say they're easier to handle dry, though.

[@i-dx2ow]

And i soak the cardboard in my rain barrel before composting

[@andreamortimer2610]

I absolutely love how you reuse and repurpose items! Good for the environment - good for the wallet! I like to keep toilet paper and paper towel cardboard rolls to start my carrots in them; then just put in a garden bed and fill with soil around them. Helps them grow really straight. Also, the milk jugs can be cut into plant markers for the starts. Plastic forks from take outs are reused as deterrents sticking upside down in freshly sown beds to keep cats out. Your garden is truly a work of passion and eye candy to all of us!

[@michaelobrien4644]

Andrea Mortimer that is a great idea for carrots thanks .

[@clynthia0510]

I saw the fork hack deterrent and suggested it to another garderner who stopped using his raised beds because of the stray cat litter box problem. I got the suggestion from this channel to use wooden paint stirs for labels. I knew that Wal-Mart had some in the crafts and toy section, my granddaughter likes to make slime. I bought the last two packs of 150 sticks for $3.97 each. They won't fade in the sun! Baton Rouge, LA

[@rickytorres9089]

Great usages indeed and you don't need to worry too much if the TP rolls take some time to degrade either. Since carrots are meant to grow like that.

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

@@clynthia0510 or old blinds

[@clynthia0510]

I misspoke about the craft sticks. It was 45 in each pack, not 75. Sorry everyone

[@scubasmitty5135]

FYI,,,, I also use nylons for Tom's and peppers,,,, BUT I also take all the soap chips when they get Way small, and put them in and tie them around my faucet for a quick soapy clean up !!!

[@shavanerad9038]

Onion/citrus bags should go on this list, not only for winter storage, but for slings for melons and squash on trellises. Just moved to Virginia piedmont (7b) and loving your channel!

[@jeas4980]

Welcome to the area! If you're in the swampy areas near Hampton Roads... we run pretty close to a Zone 8. You can increase 7b guidance by about 2 weeks.

[@shavanerad9038]

@@jeas4980 Petersburg, actually, so more solidly piedmont than coastal. Thanks for the welcome!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Yes, they're good for storing the next season's onions, garlic, shallots, etc. I'm glad you enjoy the channel!

[@karenmurphy7338]

Wow! What a great repurpose and reuse! I will never toss another away again.

[@evecampbell7744]

Another great video!

[@mrwayneright]

After watching this, there is another item I will not throw away. Its an old shower scrubber. Its the kind that is a knotted bundle of plastic mesh (similar to your onion/potato bags from the grocery). After a while the knot gets loose and comes apart. You can tie it back up but after a while its a mess and comes apart again and I just want a new one for the shower. The shower scrubber mesh when you unpack it is a big TUBE (this last one was). Its like 12-15 feet (4m) long of onion bag! Use as a tube or split down the length and its 2' wide (this one was). It can be used for ties, supporting large fruit on trellis, like melon or other things when a small stretch of mesh can be used.

[@TheRoadprincess]

Old nylon stockings can also be put over ripening fruit to protect from birds, etc. Thanks for your great input!

[@melodyclark4347]

They work great for figs 😊

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I use organza bags for my figs. That trick works well.

[@melodyclark4347]

@@TheMillennialGardener Thank you.

[@TheRoadprincess]

@@TheMillennialGardener Thanks for that!

[@coldhardtruth233]

Why not new ones 😊

[@mgguygardening]

Great video, I just want to add one more thing that pantyhose/nylons can be used for. I grow cantaloupe and squash vertically and a cut up piece of pantyhose tied to your trellis and spread open under the fruit supports the fruit and takes the weight off of the plant. With cantaloupe it's especially helpful because often when the fruit is ready it breaks off from the plant and you could have broken fruit on the ground.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I've heard of people doing that. I tried growing watermelons vertically one year, and they'd break off before they got ripe. Since then, I just let them sprawl. This year, I'm growing a special 2lb yellow watermelon, though! Time to bring back growing melons vertical.

[@doreenhamilton7943]

Im in my 70s and I remember my grandmother always used old stockings to tye up plants and garden hoses ...

[@susandickerson8863]

Ah! the good old days. Grandma always had the answer to anything you asked her. I’m 62 now and I still miss her wisdom. And she made the best Carrot Cake ever. ❤

[@ColettesGarden]

I did an ISO on neighborhood site and got 200 plastic tree pots for free in a range of sizes.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Lots of landscaping businesses would love to dump them off instead of paying to throw them away.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@TheMillennialGardener Not anymore, I asked them for a simple favor and they all are like "we don't wanna do a thing for free" attitude. EVEN if I goes out of my ways to go to fast food joints, chain stores, etc for asking if they have leftover USED food grade buckets that I could use. It's absurd...

[@toysintheclosetshop5443]

Oh, and milk jugs. If you are expecting a cold snap you can fill the jugs with hot water before you cover the plant. As an experiment I kept tomato plants growing in an unheated greenhouse one year, Zone 6, with hot water in jugs and then covered the plants with bubble wrap (another Never Throw Away) and sheets.

[@toysintheclosetshop5443]

Cardboard. I use a lot of it. You can run it through a chipper shredder if you have one and compost it. Or in containers and top it off with soil for planting. If you can soak it for a day you can rip it up by hand and add to the composter. Soaking also helps remove tape and labels. And of course you can use cardboard for No Dig gardens. Sheets are also useful for shade. Two years ago we had a really hot dry spring just as the transplants were being set out. I attached each sheet to 2 lawn chairs and spread them out forming a nice shade tent for the baby plants. Also good for tomatoes if you have hot summers. Good video!

[@blueminutes4686]

One more tip, save yogurt containers, vinegar, or any white or opaque plastic containers and cut them into custom sized plant labels. You can even use a paper hole punch to tie a tag at eye level so you don't have to bend down to see it.

[@carrottop1233]

I get extra boxes from stores such as Dollar General. Already broken down for easy trunk stacking!

[@rickytorres9089]

Nice I shall try that then. Didn't think those type of stores would provides but hey Dollar General is not that far of a walk (don't drive since I am legally deafblind).

[@tiffanyfrehleyyeshuaismy0153]

… You have been Blessed with a beautiful garden. 🌳 🌱 Thank you for providing Dale with his own den to retreat to when he feels like it. 🐶 🐾🤎

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! Dale deserves it. He had a tough start to life, so all the rest needs to be cushy.

[@jackielambert7980]

🐕💖💖💖

[@skincrx]

You should also mention, “just be careful to only save enough and not start hoarding containers.”

[@Mantras-and-Mystics]

Agree 100%. However... whenever I end up throwing things away I find that I need them sometime down the track.. 😄

[@Sconnie13]

Love all the recycling ideas you gave! paper egg cartons can also be used in the compost too. nylons can also be used to cradle heavy vine veggies - like cantaloupe. I also use empty toilet paper rolls for fire starters - fill them with dryer lint and put them in the fire pit. Keep on gardening!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're really only limited to your imagination. Any container can be a pot. There's no such thing as "single use!"

[@terryhall2299]

I noticed that the paper egg cartons do not compost very quickly, and by the time I use the newly made compost I end up taking the pieces of a carton out, so they don’t disturb the roots of my new vegetables growing. It’s kind of disappointing. I’m sure they work great for long-term composting.

[@Sconnie13]

@@terryhall2299 Yes, I agree. I had that same scenario. Now I shred the cartons by hand into smaller pieces. This seems to have helped with the decomposition time.

[@f_USAF-Lt.G]

That "great pair of Leggs can be used to cover break-mending, and the base of saplings to protect from insects (like spotted lanternfly)

[@mariap.894]

Thanks for the advice, I already do all that, but the most wonderful part was seeing Dale to walk so sweetly inside his new home!!!😊🥰😍🥰😍. You are really blessed with that Dale! He's truly a good dog as you can tell. Bless you all and thanks again for all you do🙏💜🤗

[@lgrillo]

Your content is A+. Very clear, very thorough and no nonsense. Excellent stuff!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you so much for your support and generosity! I really appreciate it ❤

[@colorfulbutmuted8975]

I also use water bottle cuttings in a similar manner to how you use gallon cuttings. When I plant certain seeds or seedlings straight into my garden, I place them centered in a water bottle with the top and bottom cut off, and the edges buried in the ground a bit. I do this for a variety of reasons, mainly that I live on top of a hill; meaning my tender young plants can have issues with water running off before it can be absorbed well, and they have a tendency to get wind burn, even after I harden the transplant seedlings off in the front yard before planting.The seeds germinate way faster due to the heat and water being kept in, but it doesn't get over moist due to the tops being uncovered. The tender seedlings from seeds or transplants seem to get a real foothold into the garden by the time they start to grow and peek out of the bottle to be more exposed to the wind they will have to contend with for life. For sturdier plants, you can just pull up the water bottles at this point, but I tend to leave them, even though this means that I will have to cut the water bottle out later, to avoid damaging the plant when it is removed. My Indian corn and sunflowers grew super well last year, with none of them needing staked to grow straight or have support from wind gusts. I have a feeling it is because the bottles gave lower support while growing, but they still had sufficient wind stimulation for the sturdy growth hormone to kick in; as well as being forced to burrow roots a little deeper to spread out from the bottle (never had an issue with root bound plants with this yet, as the bottles are not pushed in the ground too far, just far enough.) I also had a few tomato bushes that I left the bottle in the ground for the whole season, as the growth made the bottle non visible, and none of the leaves or vines or stems were getting cut on the bottles. It made a difference in the beginning of the growing season, but didn't seem to affect much after that, and I tend to get cultivars that thrive in my region, so most of my tomatoes seem to say ”thanks for the great start, we got this from here” and then just take off like a rocket all on their own.

[@f_USAF-Lt.G]

If you ever do want invasive decorative plants like, Bamboo... You will want a deep barrier like you use with the smaller plants - just to contain the spread of new growth, because they pop-up from the root-spread to take over the area.

[@Mantras-and-Mystics]

Excellent idea, thank you! 🌹

[@mikeandshannonmulligan7999]

Bras are great for squash, melons, etc! And when you’re hiving a tour to your buddies, it’s a good conversation starter!

[@Gardeningchristine]

You can also use the egg cartons as a brown in your compost. I’ve also started using old pizza boxes.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I’m always a little apprehensive to use anything dyed, but I cannot say there is any correctness to that.

[@Gardeningchristine]

@@TheMillennialGardener most dyes are vegetable based now a days, and I figure if it’s touching my food it’s probably ok.

[@idahogardengirl942]

@@Gardeningchristine We hope so. I do similar, and hope that it is food safe.

[@youngpaduan]

COVID era addition: The ear loops of face masks make perfect flexible plant ties. Easy to pull off a surgical face mask that's been worn too many times. Stretchy, great length for tomatoes, soft. I know many people use cloth masks but for those in the health care industry where at least a surgical mask is required, you can reuse that part and it works amazingly well.

[@vivianp.4814]

Great tip!! Thank you ❤️

[@carlahochwalt3186]

That is all the mask is good for 👍🏼

[@vivianp.4814]

@@carlahochwalt3186 - I know what you mean. 💯. However, it's good for something else, protection from cleaning kitty litter for 23 cats daily. Lol!!! That's why I have a surplus. 🤢

[@draganarc0131]

I use the entire mask to support vertically grown cantaloupe.

[@adurant3353]

Or shouldn't have been worn at all 😂 way better use for masks imo

[@cynnail395]

I used old queen sheets as a sun protection for tomatoes during drought like conditions in KS. Shaded from over head direct and evening blaring hot sun. Also helped some with e moisture control. Just clotheslines them to fence

[@cynnail395]

Clothespin to fence...auto correct got me again

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Had extremely strong winds last summer. Even with very small metal clamps, the sheets blew off. This year, bigger clamps will be better. And anything attached to the chickenwire helped bend the 4 foot chickenwire down.

[@diannadavis1362]

I buy packages of knee high hose at the Dollar Tree just for my plants.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I bet they work pretty well.

[@parttimepastures1997]

Great ideas!! I even use the plastic pots to start my bare root trees. My husband hates our cardboard collection but he’ll be happy when I don’t spend a bunch on weed tarp!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@gourdsbyjm]

Preaching to the choir here. This year I’ve been saving water and drink bottles. Actually started plants in them.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Excellent!

[@LUV26622]

I really enjoy your videos . They are helpful and especially love seeing Dale and how you treat him like family. Thanks for your knowledge and time! 🐶🏡🧑🏼‍🌾🏡🌱

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad you like them! Dale sends his love!

[@MsTinel1]

Can you give us a walk about tour of your garden please? Showing what you’re using on the ground, bed layout etc.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I always do in the spring when things are alive again. Right now, everything looks ugly and dirty since the grass is brown and dormant, most of the beds are under tarps resting, etc.

[@davidclark7584]

I do a lot of salvage and i have actually used old plastic dishwasher bodies as grow containers. I actually have three of them right now with garlic and assorted onions growing in them.

[@emilyanders-uw7uk]

Awesome . I used the tub / basket insert from a giant commercial washing machine to plant a Japanese Maple . It was stainless steel about 4 feet in diameter. Sooo modern and cool 😎

[@rickytorres9089]

These are great but unless they are STUPID cheap, you're just better off getting even sturdy grow bags. Even "thrifted" ones are likely waste of your time without "dual" benefiting (e.g. getting some usable second hand parts out of them to trade/resale/etc).

[@chinfuzzchet3616]

I reuse the bulk holder trays nurseries give out to carry the individual seedling pots ( usually have 12 squares for seedlings).

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I have lots of those carry trays. I love them! But I bought them specially fitted for my pots. They're fantastic.

[@MaLiArtworks186]

I repurpose plastic juice jars. I cut off the bottom, leave the cap on, and bury it in the soil. Kitchen scraps go in there by taking off the cap and pushing thru the opening.

[@digsindirt4490]

Thank you for showing the lettuce under the water jugs. It is a fantastic visual.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Lettuce grows fantastic under them in winter, at least in my climate.

[@lolaseymour1532]

He did a whole video on this just a little while back. You might want to check it out. It was incredible!

[@gretchenrodriquez7633]

I'm lining all my raised beds with cardboard. Great idea with milk/water jugs. All your tips are great! Thank you.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@englishfisherman8458]

For prize winning straight carrots dig a hole and get the leftover card tube from a used toilet or kitchen roll. bury it and plant your seed.

[@evieary8433]

I am making a container garden out of 2 liter pop bottles, my roommates drink an obscene amount of pop and were just throwing the bottles out 0-0. It was killing me to watch. I think they will be good with some smaller crops like lettuce, radishes and carrots (the tallness and skinniness seems good for the tap roots).

[@pvp6077]

You can cut the tops off and stack them to make a plant tower, theres some really decent builds on here that look super easy and efficient to grow with

[@elizabethpirie5050]

Cut a circle out and plant strawberry plants the bottle helps to keep strawberries clean and ripens beautifully

[@PatlynnMccourtney-bq1kn]

Return them for deposit and put money towards garden supplies! You'd be surprised how quickly the deposit can add up

[@eronhonez]

CARDBOARD - Previous owners of my home used sand as fill and top dressed with plastic sheeting and gravel on top😢 Finally removed as much of the gravel and sheeting as possible… To transform the sand into soil we’ve been doing a form of “lasagna gardening”: layers of stuff like bokashi compost, leaf mold, inoculated biochar, greens (especially comfrey), shredded leaves, topped with sheets of cardboard and aged mulch. It has been super successful! The soil fertility has improved significantly and we have more night crawlers than I have ever seen!

[@woodsy3495]

Ok here's my 2 cents donation to this video. Cottage cheese and the bigger yogurt containers make great starter pots for just about any plant. I'm going on 4 years for some of them.

[@maryronan8446]

We reuse big boxes to plant potatoes and we use the others as ground cover.

[@LoveMusic-pd5iz]

Don't know if it still exists, but we used to buy apple cider in 1/2 and 1 gallon glass bottles. I bought a glass cutting kit. I cut the bottom off the bottles and sanded with wet sanding paper. Great greenhouses! Kept the lids on overnight and removed the lids in the morning. Wish I still had some of these as glass bottles are hard to find nowadays.

[@PatlynnMccourtney-bq1kn]

Do you like pickles? In Maine we have ( at Walmart) we have 1 gallon glass jars of whole dill pickles.

[@APrettyGoodChannel]

I've been using those amazon boxes for compost, though sometimes have a really hard time with getting the tape off and have started just taking the time to cut out the sections with it. It might be a different tape used here in Australia though it looks the same, but if they could be convinced to change it to something compostable or easier to remove it would be a huge win.

[@toysintheclosetshop5443]

That paper tape on the Amazon boxes IS compostable. The thick fibers that hold it together are biodegradable though it may take a long time to decompose. And you can dampen the tape and it will come right off as well as any labels.

[@APrettyGoodChannel]

@@toysintheclosetshop5443 Thanks so much! I suspected it might be a few times, glad to have confirmation. It will make it much easier!

[@rnupnorthbrrrsm6123]

Just leave it out in the weather for a little bit, rain or sun will make the tape come off easy ;)

[@artisticagi]

Are those boxes not treated with chemicals?

[@sunnyseacat6857]

@@artisticagi : wondered that myself regarding cardboard boxes. Wouldn't the Earth absorb chemicals though and transmute/decompost them naturally?

[@southernskytngarden]

I saved and plant in every container possible! Thanks for sharing this and putting it out there for others

[@myillumination5054]

Just found your channel today and I’m binge watching. Excellent content for this newbie looking to start composting. I was actually looking for tips in starting a garden. Very informative with just the right amount of detail. Also, Love the idea of using cardboard as weed barrier. Simple and easy.

[@karenmurphy7338]

Me too! Still new but I did experiment the past 2 years where certain things grew much better in different spots. Because of a bad back I am always looking for shortcuts or ways to make things a little easier on my body. I’m enjoying the wealth of information and experience and the short and concise way he presents it.

[@MB-co6qj]

Check out Ripe Tomato Farms for the most precise guides you'll ever need

[@Fedeleness]

old white t shirts torn into strips make excellent ties for tomatoes.

[@soarwithemc6560]

I love your videos! You are easy to understand and you give tips quickly, but slow enough for people to take notes! I love that you are in NC because I am in the Triangle area of NC!! Yay! Also, you make funny comments along the way, which makes listening to you fun, and I learn a great deal. I learned so much from your video about why cucumbers don't produce!

[@soarwithemc6560]

I subscribed! This is my third year connecting with nature and trying to grow fresh food ( taste so much better), and it is not easy. I know now that I need knowledge from more experienced people!!!

[@tinab7791]

The black Amazon prime tape is actually biodegradable and can be composted.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Interesting. It always worries me. I know the shipping labels need to be removed at least.

[@annetteacciaio8111]

Yes, he's my kind of guy! Im glad to hear he never wears stocking leggings or pantyhose. Thanks for all the tips. I used the cardboard for weed barriers and compost. I never throw out my egg cartons i compost them too. When I get real desperate for browns. I'll buy a few brown paper bags for 5 cents a bag. I tear them up into little pieces and compost them too.

[@Carol120454]

I'm using torn up egg cartons, cardboard and brown paper for litter in my rabbit's cage and litter box. Amazon was selling shredded paper for $39. for this purpose. Can you believe it? When it's time to clean, put this paper and the droppings in the garden. Win win.

[@Carol120454]

I also use plastic shopping bags (mostly use cloth bags) for tying up tomato plants, I cut them across into long strips. I seldom wear panty hose any more, I used to use that. Old socks would worK, though.

[@tennesseenana4838]

Old sheets can also be used as shade cover. I learned that you can get the used coffee out of those K-cups for composting. Just slit the top and scrape the used coffee out of them.

[@rafika816]

I do this when guest drink coffee. It's great fir azaleas, gardenias and tomatoes.

[@laurelh1799]

Better to stop using K-cups altogether! Go back to using a paper filter and loose coffee. It really doesn't take much time and the coffee is fresher.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@laurelh1799 The cups are fine, it's the dang machine getting DIRTLY pass the cups and needle. It's so DISGUSTING and absurdly hard to clean. And no, you can't just toss the parts in the dishwasher on it's most powerful and hottest settings. It'll still be VERY dirty within.

[@laurelh1799]

@@rickytorres9089 You're forgetting that those K-cups are filling up the garbage dumps. They can't be recycled or composted so they're not environmentally friendly. Also, have you seen any of the articles about how stale the coffee is in those K-cups? And, on top of all that, they're more expensive to use. BAD IDEA all around IMO.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@laurelh1799 Plastics in general are just flat out bad for the environment but we are getting better with certain PLAs and bioplastics that can actually break down within semi-reasonable time lines.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

As an environmental consultant I like the idea of reusing items. I compost pizza boxes since they aren't wanted in recycling.

[@Blossomandbranch]

Pizza boxes are known for containing PFAS, use caution with those

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

@@Blossomandbranch duly noted. Is it in the inks? Thanks for that. Luckily my current pile has only 2 boxes.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

@@Blossomandbranch , it seems like maybe the wax or plastic coating to reduce grease bleed-through is the source.

[@rickytorres9089]

@@alfonsomunoz4424 Thank so much for this information, so the ones that come with a parchment like liner or carboard like liners are to reason to be "safe". Since we can simply discard that "part" and use the box itself.

[@alfonsomunoz4424]

@@rickytorres9089 the boxes with a plastic looking, shiny liner are probably the ones with PFAS. I don't compost those. I have only used boxes that are plain brown cardboard. Minimal ink, no wax or plastic liner. The wax is probably paraffin, which is plant derived, but since it is refined it may make chemicals you shouldn't eat.

[@moongirl9785]

One caution on using cardboard on the ground. I'm in Florida. I used cardboard for grass and weed control in my garden and under planters. Unfortunately, the moisture, the darkness and the cardboard itself created ideal habitat for termites. Just something to keep in mind.

[@drivestorage1779]

You had me at cardboard usage! Genius! I will steal that. There's no stopping me now. You are singing music. Notification set. I'm all ears.

[@Gardeningchristine]

I’m all about recycle renew reuse! I’ve got my milk jugs ready to go and I’ve got what I call my window garden. I’ve drilled holes in carnation tubs because they are the perfect size to go between my windows so the cats can’t munch my greens. They also sit on top of the south facing windows when it gets really cold. I’m growing 3 kinds of lettuce and 4 kinds of Asian greens in a space that is perfect for it.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Since learning something like 90% of what's put in "recycle cans" winds up in landfalls anyway, it's nice to be able to witness *actual* recycling in action. Little things like this can go a long way. Imagine if everyone simply composted half their cardboard. I'm currently rooting figs inside plastic refrigerated pickle spear containers. They work fantastic!

[@karenross1008]

Pictures?

[@karenross1008]

Pictures plz

[@Gardeningchristine]

@@karenross1008 what do you mean? I can’t post pictures.

[@laurelh1799]

What are carnation tubs?

[@sheliadean9548]

Thank you for sharing this information with us

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You’re welcome!

[@TheRainHarvester]

Haha funny you should mention tree pots...i got 100 gallon ones. I filled my truck up!! I even made a short video.

[@TheRainHarvester]

Oh you can get 100s of them for free too!

[@TheRainHarvester]

I stopped doing milk jugs because they blow off at night. How do they stay put for you?! Otherwise they are ideal!

[@TheRainHarvester]

Better than bricks is mulch. Free from tree trimmers and it gives free soil. But bricks are good too: they keep wet stuff off your shoes.

[@TheRainHarvester]

I'll add another: if your neighbor is replacing a picket fence, get the pickets: A) Lettuce water boarding works! (i made a video). b) Holds down the sheets during windy cold nights. 3) Cover bare soil during summer (easy "mulch"). And yes sheets are really useful! Can be thrown on top of low trellises to extend lettuce season.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

They must be huge! I really need to get a truck one of these days.

[@charliehiker2247]

I'm using approx 4x4 raised beds with a removable fencing (cats, fresh dirt...yeah) and I have found on really hot days, a bed sheet makes for a cheap good shade cloth for the lettuce / radishes other things that are quick to bolt... typically get two or three weeks over the unshaded stuff - depending on just how hot it is... over 80 for several day, it's done for anyway...

[@lolaseymour1532]

Did you read the suggestion regarding using plastic forks with the tines up as a cat deterrent?

[@charliehiker2247]

@@lolaseymour1532 - no I missed that one, thank you, I'll go look for it and get the details

[@myurbangarden7695]

I like this idea. Some municipalities are charging more for trash services, I think this could really help people.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Tell me about it. Mine stopped our curbside recycling program. So, I find other ways to recycle what I can.

[@rickytorres9089]

Good luck saving there though. It's often a weekly/monthly service and I don't know if you could have them only comes on some weeks/months and not others.

[@HighLevelNinja]

For brown stuff, I also use compostable bags, table ware, dishes, and food service gloves. Additionally, I also reuse the plastic egg bins, as well. Yes, as seed starters. The second level that covers the eggs can be used as a second set of seeds, or use both covers as an insulated mini-greenhouse.

[@manchu6005]

My girls are trying to till the compost, but it's frozen at this time. I try to re-use everything if possible. Careful out there y'all. 🇺🇸⚔️🇬🇪

[@brodyjfitness1863]

You can make the compost In a 75l black plastic bin all year round. Because it's black it gets very hot. So that make it the same as Usual but in a black plastic bin. Only about au $20 from any hardware store. Good luck 🤞😃

[@TheMillennialGardener]

This recent video may interest you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnKQk2SohpllrLc

[@rebeccawatson9284]

Lol! In case someone wondered if you wore tights or pantyhose! Dale is such a good boy!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You never know 🥷

[@angelawade1445]

I found some stretchy yarn at the thrift store. I crocheted a single stitch chain and it is wonderful to tie up my tomato plants.

[@mamoe3]

Thanks! So important to reduce plastic garbage 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Another cool thing is the sun will eventually disintegrate those milk jugs, so when it finally comes time to throw them away, they'll be partially broken down.

[@Shadowcat1954]

Excellent! Thanking everyone here, too, for all the tips.

[@theherbothecarynaturalheal318]

I also use pantyhose to support heavy fruits like melon and cucumbers. I pop they on when they’re small and tie to the trellis. They stretch as they grow and stop them dropping or pulling the plants over 😊

[@bonzibonnie]

Love the Dale!!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

He’s the best 🐕

[@jackielambert7980]

Dale... Dale... Dale... Dale........ 🐕

[@jaybailleaux630]

My grandparents used coffee cans with the top and bottoms cut out to support the small seedling plants in the garden. It also gave water time to soak around the plant in the heavy clay soil they had.

[@nikkireigns]

Tip for getting tape off boxes the lazy/easy way: leave them out in the rain. Peels right off!

[@Agapy8888]

What a man. A real man.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Last time I checked 😂

[@Agapy8888]

@@TheMillennialGardener you are a breath of fresh air after seeing all the men in our community. 🕊🥰

[@Agapy8888]

@@TheMillennialGardener loved your video.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@Agapy8888 thank you! I'm glad to hear it!

[@katcruz876]

I've been popping my jiffy pots into plastic strawberry containers outside for incubation and it works excellent! It helps them retain moisture and acts like a little green house.😊 I'm im in zone 9b

[@bobborlog1677]

I've been running cardboard and paper through my chipper with garden waste and tree prunings it makes the perfect raised bed cover over winter then I till it under here in northeast Georgia

[@Inspiringsuccess2]

Egg cartons are great ‘brown’ material for composting - also - broken into small pieces the worms in my worm bin love them!

[@Evelyn-vs3fk]

I also use the gallon containers for rain water, I catch the rain in bigger containers then fill us the milk container for easier use to water plants.

[@moniquebiesaart7801]

I am from the Netherlands, bike country. I go to a bikestore and ask for old rubber inner tires for free. Saves them costs for garbage collection. I cut them into strips , very handy as ties for plant or trees. It stays a bit flexibel so will not hurt during growing season.

[@patatlantian4614]

Your videos are always good man. You and "Tough Citrus" hip me to the game the most. Went to see Stan a few weeks ago and told him i watch yall all the time. Told him he needs to upload more vids

[@papamidnightwolf326]

Great job Garden Brother and Thanks for the Dale demo. That put a smile on my face.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

He just walked right in. Perfect timing, Dale! 😂 He’s a smart boy.

[@babystepsgarden6162]

You and Dale always bring a smile to my face and joy to my heart! God bless you and yours! ❤️🙏

[@donate1sttt]

Yea, Great ideas, thanks Watching from Beautiful Southern Iowa. I haven't heard of most of these ideas.😮😮

[@ericcarbonell9927]

Great video! I also use larger cardboard boxes as disposable planters for potatoes and yams. I line then with plastic and then cut holes in the bottom for drainage then set on the ground so worms etc crawl in the planter

[@ddubsr5886]

Yogurt cups are great for transplant pots

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Pretty much any plastic container can be used for transplants. I’m rooting figs in plastic pickle jars.

[@h2ogirlh2ogirl7]

Great job. I am starting a chanel called recycle everything. You teach kids not to waste and thats so needed in todays throw away mind set! Thank you!

[@thecottageatwoodlandcorners]

Also, with the tree containers, I have a fig tree that goes wild every spring and I have to prune it back. I also found it's easy to propagate pomegranate from cuttings. Those big pots are perfect for deep insertion of the twig or stem. Keep them watered and out of direct sun, and you can sometimes get some to root and propagate a new plant. You can't do this in the small seedling pots.

[@DavincisGirl66]

The elastic from face masks are good plant ties.

[@valoriegriego5212]

I use all those items in my garden! I don't wear pantyhose anymore...I pick them up at the thrift store for $1. Dale looked cute in his blue jacket. Stylish crate...looks good mainly because of the handsome model. Hey to Dale!😃🐕

[@88Ariadne88]

This was great! I'm a 40+ year gardener, but you gave me some new ideas, and I appreciate decreasing trash.

[@teresa-kurtolander9579]

Old carpet- the wall-to-wall type, turned face down so only the burlap bottom shows. Perfect for walk ways, edging. Just cover with mulch or decorative stones or gravel if you wish.

[@deliathorja442]

I use pantihose for tying up the cellophane on bottles and jars that do not have a lid. It's easy to tie well cos it's so elastic.

[@kalenaglory2483]

I live in a housing development. I find buckets, transplant buckets of all sizes often on my walks.

[@Kate98755]

after 2 tips…i’m saving the same things…with the water jugs, i put holes in the bottom and use irrigation spikes to secure them to the ground….helps during windy days to stay in place

[@jeanniek1498]

Keep ALL veggie scraps, Coffee grounds, Egg shells to compost early spring. If you have tomatoe Blossom end rott.... it's from not enough Calcium. Egg shells are all Calcium. Cush them after they dry by squishing them once or twice with your hands. Mix shells in the dirt when putting your tomatoes in. Never throw egg shells away either

[@dianthaweilepp5294]

If you get any plastic egg cartons hang onto them.They make great seed starting trays, especially if you use egg shells. Break your eggshells in half carefully and you're ready to seed start.

[@terryhall2299]

Once the little plant is growing in the eggshell and is ready for transplanting, do you remove it from the eggshell and put into your bed?

[@noneyabusiness1302]

Charming!!

[@peggyfiedler1556]

I put a hole in the bottom of the shell and plant along with the seedling. Great calcium..esp for tomatoes !

[@rickytorres9089]

I would not recommend that, stick to plup types. Those plastics are probably PET/PETE which are #1 plastics and therefore leaches with heat/UV. Yes your grow lights does obviously provides UV to your plants, in metered doses of course though.

[@juliehamel4518]

Thank You 💞🥰💖 Dale is so sweet 💞

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! Dale sends his love ❤

[@howardfowler2255]

Long,fresh pine needles make great plant ties ,strong enough to last a growing season and gusty winds. Also,plastic liners in store banana boxes make great veggie grow bags and handy lightweight frost covers( keep the plastic off of plant leaves when applying). Both the needles and the banana bags are free!

[@sunnyseacat6857]

Great video. Great tips. Big plastic containers can also be used to 1) hold leaves, mulch, hay, soil/dirt, gardening items, etc, 2) hold miscellaneous stones, pebbles, twigs, etc. Cardbord use: 1) protect plants but placing them around them, upright, against strong winds, strong sun, 2) lay down a year ahead in a part of your garden you wish to you the next year. Cardboard inhibits grass growing. It works. Check underside the next year for sqush bugs! Bed sheets: cheap at thrift stores. I wash them at the end of the season, storing them indoors, making sure they are thoroughly dry to avoid mold.