Trash into Treasure

Jerry Baker tells us to use stuff around the house for gardening tonics. Unfortunately, I don’t have much of that stuff around my house—chewing tobacco, baker’s yeast, molasses, etc. But I do have lots of junk mail, shredded documents (for identity theft protection), and ruined panty hose now that the 90s are over and hose is de rigueur in the office. Here are some ways you can re-use your own stuff:

• Shredded paper: use as mulch or in compost bins.
  
• Panty hose: tie climbing rose canes to supports.
  
• CD’s: hang to scare away birds or us as a coaster for pots.
  
• Plastic grocery bags: use these to cover bare root plants when you plant them. Secure them to the ground with pieces of coat hanger folded in half. Cut a few slits in the bag.
  
• Paper coffee cups: cut to about 3" high and start seeds in them.
  
• Phone cords: perhaps these could be used to secure young trees to stakes.
  
• Dryer lint: use in compost bins.
  

In fact, any type of fruit, vegetable, egg shells, or coffee grounds can be used in the compost bin. Just make sure it has no dairy, bones, or meat. The smaller the pieces, the faster they will turn into soil.