Gardening is both rewarding and eco-friendly when you repurpose common household items. From kitchen scraps to old containers, reusing materials can enrich your soil, support plant growth, and reduce waste.
Here are 27 expert-approved items that are practical and sustainable—plus 4 items you should skip because they can harm your plants, soil, or local wildlife.
1. Eggshells
Imagine the crackling sound underfoot. Eggshells are excellent for adding calcium to your soil, which supports plant growth. Simply crush them and sprinkle around your plants.
Their jagged edges can also deter pests like slugs and snails, making them a dual-purpose gardening aid.
Moreover, as they break down, they improve soil structure. Collect them in a container and use them regularly to see noticeable benefits in your garden.
2. Coffee Grounds
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee isn’t just for your morning routine. Used coffee grounds can enrich your soil with nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plants.
Scatter them over your garden beds or add them to your compost pile.
Their texture also aids in aerating soil, promoting healthy root growth. Regular application can lead to lush, vigorous plants.
3. Tea Bags
A steaming cup may refresh your senses, but used tea bags have a role in your garden. Bury them near plant bases to help retain moisture and provide nutrients.
The tea leaves improve soil fertility, while the bag material decomposes slowly.
This simple act can lead to healthier soil and robust plant growth.
4. Toilet Paper Rolls
The empty roll left behind can serve a new purpose. Toilet paper rolls are perfect for seed starting.
Fill each with soil and plant seeds for easy transplanting later.
They biodegrade as plants grow, ensuring your garden remains waste-free. Stack them in trays and water gently to see your garden flourish.
5. Plastic Bottles
A simple cut can transform it. Plastic bottles make excellent mini-greenhouses, protecting seedlings from harsh weather.
Cut them in half and place over plants to retain warmth and humidity.
Besides, they can be used as self-watering systems, reducing the need for frequent watering. This versatility makes them a handy garden tool.
6. Newspaper
The rustle of paper can become part of your gardening routine. Newspapers, when layered, make effective mulch.
They suppress weeds and retain soil moisture, keeping your garden beds healthy.
As they decompose, they add organic matter to the soil. Use several sheets at a time and water them down for best results.
7. Wine Corks
That pop might signal the start of something new. Wine corks can be repurposed as garden markers.
Write plant names on them and attach to sticks to label your herbs and veggies clearly.
They withstand weather well and add a rustic charm to your garden. This creative reuse helps keep your gardening organized.
8. Glass Jars
The clink of glass can signify new growth. Glass jars serve as unique planters for small herbs or succulents.
Their transparency allows you to watch root growth, making them educational too.
Position them on windowsills or balconies for optimal sunlight. They offer a charming, recycled touch to any garden space.
9. Cardboard Boxes
A sturdy structure can have humble beginnings. Cardboard boxes, when flattened, are perfect for starting new garden beds.
They suppress weeds and improve soil quality as they decompose.
Lay them down and cover with soil or mulch to establish a healthy, weed-free growing area. Their slow breakdown ensures long-term benefits.
10. Old Towels
Soft textures find new utility. Old towels can protect plants from cold temperatures.
Cover your sensitive plants on chilly nights to prevent frost damage.
Their absorbency also helps in maintaining soil moisture, making them a versatile gardening tool.
11. Pantyhose
A surprising stretch can offer support. Pantyhose are ideal for tying plants to stakes without causing damage.
Their elasticity accommodates plant growth while providing stability.
Use them for tomatoes or vines to keep your garden neat and plants healthy.
12. Milk Jugs
A simple adaptation can change usage. Milk jugs, when cut, become great scoopers for soil, compost, or fertilizer.
Their handles offer easy grip, making gardening tasks more manageable.
Alternatively, they can be used as cloches to protect young plants from frost, showcasing their versatility.
13. Shoe Organizers
Hanging spaces can bring life. Shoe organizers become vertical gardens when hung and filled with soil and plants.
Each pocket is perfect for herbs or small flowers, maximizing limited space.
This creative use not only decorates but also provides fresh produce at arm’s reach.
14. Citrus Peels
A zesty twist can aid growth. Citrus peels act as biodegradable seed starters.
Fill them with soil and seeds, planting peel and all in the garden.
Their natural acidity deters pests and enriches the soil as they break down, offering a fresh approach to seed starting.
15. Old CDs
Shiny reflections can protect. Old CDs are effective bird deterrents when hung around gardens.
Their reflective surface creates a moving light display, scaring birds away from your crops.
This simple trick preserves your produce and adds a whimsical element to your garden.
16. Metal Cans
A metallic clink can signal new growth. Metal cans make quaint planters for herbs and flowers.
Punch holes for drainage and fill with soil to create a mini-garden.
They’re durable and add a rustic charm to any space, perfect for patios or small gardens.
17. Wine Bottles
The elegant shape finds new purpose. Wine bottles serve as self-watering systems for pots.
Fill them with water and insert upside down in the soil.
This slow release hydrates plants over time, ensuring consistent moisture, especially useful during dry spells.
18. Old Newspapers
Pages of possibility unfold. Old newspapers, when layered, suppress weeds effectively.
Cover soil with several sheets and water them down.
They decompose slowly, adding organic matter to your garden while keeping weeds at bay, making them a gardener’s ally.
19. Aluminum Foil
A shimmer of protection can save. Aluminum foil is a pest deterrent when wrapped around plant bases.
Its reflective surface confuses and scares away insects.
Additionally, it can reflect light onto plants, aiding growth in low-light areas. This versatile tool defends and enhances.
20. Old Tires
Round relics find new life. Old tires make excellent raised garden beds.
Stack and fill them with soil to plant flowers or vegetables.
Their structure is sturdy and retains heat, promoting faster growth. This creative reuse beautifies while saving space.
21. Ice Cream Containers
A sweet end becomes a new beginning. Ice cream containers are perfect for small planters.
Their size suits herbs or small flowers, adding color to windowsills or balconies.
Punch holes for drainage to ensure healthy plant growth, turning dessert leftovers into delightful decor.
22. Mesh Produce Bags
A netted design guards well. Mesh produce bags are excellent for protecting plants from pests.
Cover plants, allowing air and light through while keeping insects out.
This breathable barrier ensures plant safety without harming beneficial insects.
23. Broken Pottery
Fragments of the past support the future. Broken pottery pieces make excellent drainage aids for pots.
Place them at the bottom to prevent soil from clogging drainage holes.
This simple trick enhances pot efficiency, ensuring plants stay healthy.
24. Old Garden Gloves
Worn yet useful, old garden gloves can protect young plants from frost.
Covering plants at night helps shield them from cold.
Their worn material provides just enough insulation to keep tender shoots safe during chilly seasons.
25. Baking Soda
A common pantry staple doubles as a garden protector. Baking soda helps prevent fungal growth on plants.
Sprinkle it around the base to ward off powdery mildew.
Its simplicity belies its effectiveness, making it a go-to for organic gardeners.
26. Old Buckets
A container once overlooked finds value. Old buckets make perfect large planters for vegetables.
Drill drainage holes and fill with soil to create a spacious growing area.
They’re durable and easily transportable, ideal for urban gardens or patios.
27. Crushed Shells
The crunch beneath your feet adds both beauty and function. Crushed shells make excellent mulch for garden paths.
They improve drainage and deter pests, while their sharp texture keeps slugs away.
This decorative layer enhances the aesthetic and practicality of garden pathways.
28. Treated Wood Scraps
Got leftover wood from a home project? If it’s treated, don’t use it in your garden.
Treated wood contains toxic chemicals like arsenic and copper compounds that can leach into your soil and contaminate your plants.
If you’re building raised beds or stakes, go for untreated, rot-resistant wood like cedar instead—it’s safer for both your veggies and the environment.
29. Leftover Cooking Oil
Pouring used cooking oil into your garden might seem like an eco-friendly move, but it’s a one-way ticket to disaster.
Oil creates a thick, greasy layer in the soil, suffocating plant roots and making water drainage impossible.
Plus, it attracts pests like rats, flies, and cockroaches—not exactly what you want in your backyard oasis. Dispose of it properly instead.
30. Dryer Lint
Some gardeners swear by using dryer lint to retain moisture in soil, but there’s a problem—most modern clothes contain synthetic fibers.
That means instead of nourishing your garden, you’re adding microplastics to the soil. These don’t break down and can harm beneficial organisms.
If you want an eco-friendly alternative, stick to compostable materials like shredded newspaper or dried leaves.
31. Citrus Peels In Bulk
A couple of orange peels in your compost? No big deal. Dumping a whole bag into your garden? Not so great.
Citrus peels take forever to decompose, can make your soil too acidic, and even repel earthworms—the little guys who keep your soil aerated and healthy.
If you’re composting citrus, chop it up and mix it with other organic waste to keep things balanced.