Recycling old tights becomes a space-saving gardening recommendation this summer, as gardening experts endorse the practice.
In the world of gardening, creativity often meets practicality. However, a common storage solution for small gardens - using old tights to store plant pots - may not be as effective as one might think.
Marta Pawlik, co-founder of LAIK, discovered this firsthand. She found that over time, old tights used for storing plant pots in small spaces, such as holiday homes without garages or utility rooms, can sag, causing the pots to knock around during changeovers.
But fear not, gardening enthusiasts! There are several alternative solutions to consider.
Kezia Reynolds suggests using old tights for storing plastic plant pots, especially in small gardens. However, retailers like B&Q offer hand-in schemes for recycling old plastic pots, and Michael Griffiths, also known as @the_mediterranean_gardener, offers a reusable solution. Michael demonstrates a storage hack using old tights and plant pots. He cuts an old pair of tights in half, fills one leg with plant pots, ties a knot at the bottom, and hangs it in a shed. This method prevents old pots from blowing away.
Marta Pawlik eventually moved to using stackable wooden crates with paper in between for storing plant pots. She prefers the wooden crates for their ability to maintain an intentional look in hidden corners and their quality, which aligns with the standard she aims to provide for guests and owners. Shelves can also increase storage space in a shed, making them ideal for storing stacks of plant pots.
More airflow reduces the chance of mould occurring on the pots, especially if they have soil or organic matter left on them. To enhance this, Chrissie Handley, Lawn Care Specialist and Gardening Expert at Online Turf, notes that the tights method helps utilize wall space for storage. However, she also suggests using garden netting to create a DIY plant pot net for hanging in the shed.
For those seeking budget-friendly and space-efficient planting containers, options include steel tubs, decorative boxes, and planter boxes that enhance garden aesthetics while providing structured storage for plants and seeds. Additionally, various types of dedicated planter boxes and pots made from materials such as plastic composites, metal, or stone that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use are available. These range from modern indoor planter boxes with sleek designs and protective features to durable outdoor planters with drainage holes and weather resistance, suitable for small gardens or patios.
In conclusion, rather than repurposing old tights, using purpose-built or DIY storage methods offers durable, organized, and visually appealing alternatives for small garden plant storage. By considering these solutions, gardeners can keep their plants thriving while maintaining an attractive outdoor space.
- In maintaining a visually appealing and functional home-and-garden lifestyle, Marta Pawlik, co-founder of LAIK, advocates for using purpose-built storage solutions like stackable wooden crates, instead of repurposing old tights to store plant pots.
- For budget-friendly and space-efficient plant storage, gardening enthusiasts can opt for dedicated planter boxes and pots made from various materials, which not only enhance garden aesthetics but also provide structured storage for plants and seeds, reducing the need for non-traditional solutions like using old tights.
