RUTH'S SHOOTS

In this age of over packaging.....when you buy something new remember to recycle!


plastic ties.....useful for tying plants to trellises and canes

the electric plug cover.........three small bamboo canes inserted into the holes and hey presto instant mini obelisk for small house plants!

polystyrene; great for standing overwintering on in a cold greenhouse and keeps their "feet" warm. Broken into pieces (or sometimes items are packed in chippings) and put into the base of large pots that are only going to house "annuals" means you use less compost and makes the pots lighter to carry.

The endless plastic bags....when germinating seeds or propagating from cuttings; place a stick in the pot, cover with plastic bag, put an elastic band round the bag and pot and you have an instant mini propagator.

And any cardboard can either be torn up and put on the compost heap (it will take some time to break down though) or many councils will take them if you have recycling dustbin collections.

RUTH'S SHOOTS

Scarecrow came up with this great tip that I had never heard before.

If you have problems with seedlings rotting (dampening off) then watering with Chamomile tea may help.

RUTH'S SHOOTS

The smaller the seeds, the shallower they should be sown.
When you store your own collected seed keep them cool and airtight. Wrap some milk powder in tissue, seal with a rubber band and pop it in your seed container; this will help prevent moisture ruining them.

RUTH'S SHOOTS

Save yourself money and recycle newspapers by making your own biodegradable pots. Libby on Woodlands World explains the process beautifully in pictures.

RUTH'S SHOOTS

If light levels are low where your seeds are growing, stand the pots on kitchen foil so that they benefit from the reflected light.