By Lois Barber
Consignment shops and thrift stores claim to keep 600 million pounds of unused and no longer wanted merchandise out of our landfills, so “Junking” is a good way to celebrate Earth Day this year. When it gets right down to earth, however, I have two suggestions for Earth Day – and everyday – which are to recycle, and to conserve water.
You can grow seedlings and herb plants in recycled containers. Although the containers will most likely wind up in a landfill, they will have gotten a second life as a planter.
Plastic milk cartons make good leak-proof containers to keep on an inside surface that shouldn’t get wet, such as a bay windowsill. Just be careful not to over water a container without a drainage hole.
These containers are good for starting large plants, such as watermelons, cantaloupes, and even sunflowers inside the house. Cut off the top of the container for planting and then cut it down both sides to get the plant out without too much trauma to its roots. Hose out the container after the watermelon is transplanted into the ground, and place it in the proper recycle bin.
Some gardening centers ask purchasers to return plastic and seedling trays to be recycled, but there is no reason you can’t use them yourself if you are starting your own seeds. You can also use eggshells and newspaper cups for seedlings. Be aware that not all vegetables take to being started inside. Root vegetables, as well as corn, beans, and peas like to be directly sown into the ground.
Metal cans, such as olive oil and coffee cans are charming permanent homes for herbs and flowers.
If you have an automatic sprinkler system, take it off the timer so you don’t waste water by using it on rainy days or in very windy weather. Don’t water during the day and use drip irrigation if possible.
Outside, fix leaking spigots, and inside, repair running toilets and dripping faucets.
Since in-sink garbage disposals require running water, why not compost food residue (except meat) for fertilizer use.
Mulching also saves water. If you notice a lot of runoff when watering your lawn, cut down on the time you allow the sprinklers to run, and water more often if needed. Adjust your lawn mover to a higher setting.
Lois Barber writes and takes photographs for a weekly gardening column for the Republican-American newspaper in Waterbury, CT.
Love your Mother
By Lois Barber