Before tossing out old shirts and jeans, think about how they can get a second life in your Texas garden. Old clothes can add color, texture, and even help protect your plants from the sun or pests.
I’ve gathered 9 creative ways to put them to work that are simple and fun. Your garden will feel unique, playful, and a little more sustainable too.
1. Plant Ties From Old T-shirts
Cut colorful t-shirts into thin strips for gentle plant supports that won’t damage stems. The stretchy cotton material provides flexibility as your tomatoes and peppers grow taller in that Texas heat.
Unlike plastic ties, fabric strips breathe with the plant and expand naturally. Many Texas gardeners keep a jar of these handy near the back door for quick garden fixes during early morning tending.
2. Denim Knee Pads
Transform old jeans into comfortable knee protection by cutting squares from the thickest parts and adding a bit of padding inside. Your knees will thank you while working in rocky Texas soil during those long weeding sessions.
Simply fold the denim over some foam or batting, stitch around the edges, and add elastic straps. Texas gardeners find these homemade pads last longer than store-bought versions under harsh summer conditions.
3. Sock Seed Starters
Orphaned socks make perfect biodegradable seed starters! Fill them with potting soil, plant your seeds, and hang them on a sunny fence. The fabric retains moisture while allowing roots to breathe in the dry Texas climate.
When seedlings are ready for transplanting, cut the sock bottom and plant the whole thing. Many Texas gardeners start their fall vegetables this way during the intense summer months when direct sowing is challenging.
4. Braided Rug Mulch
Braid strips of old cotton clothing into circular rugs to place around plants as attractive, functional mulch. These fabric circles suppress weeds while allowing water to seep through to thirsty roots in the Texas drought conditions.
The light colors reflect heat rather than absorb it, keeping soil temperatures lower. Gardeners across Texas have discovered these colorful mulch circles add charm while extending the time between waterings during hot summer months.
5. Button Plant Markers
Colorful buttons from old shirts make charming plant markers when attached to wooden skewers or sturdy wire. Push them into the soil to identify your herbs and vegetables with a touch of whimsy in your Texas garden beds.
Weather-resistant buttons survive the Texas heat and occasional downpours without fading. Many gardening clubs in Austin and Dallas have turned this into community upcycling projects, creating button markers from donated clothing.
6. Sweater Hanging Baskets
Old wool sweaters can be transformed into unique hanging planters after a hot-water wash to felt the material. Cut off the sleeves, sew the bottom closed, and fill with soil for instant hanging baskets that retain moisture beautifully.
These cozy containers work wonderfully for trailing plants like sweet potato vine. Texas gardeners particularly appreciate how these fabric planters insulate roots from temperature extremes during those unpredictable spring weather shifts.
7. Pillowcase Produce Bags
Convert old pillowcases into breathable harvest bags for collecting vegetables and fruits. The lightweight fabric allows air circulation while keeping your tomatoes and peppers from bruising during the abundant Texas growing season.
Simply add a drawstring through the open end and you’re ready to gather produce. Many community gardens throughout Texas have adopted these homemade bags instead of plastic, reducing waste while making harvesting easier in the heat.
8. Jacket Scarecrow Guards
Give old jackets new purpose as garden guardians! Stuff them with straw, add a hat and some personality to create charming scarecrows that deter birds from your precious Texas berries and vegetables.
Unlike traditional scarecrows, these clothing-based versions can be quickly disassembled and washed when needed. Gardeners in the Hill Country region have turned scarecrow-making into seasonal festivals, showcasing Texas creativity through repurposed wardrobe items.
9. Glove Tool Holders
Orphaned gardening gloves find new life as hanging tool organizers when attached to a fence or shed wall. Simply nail or staple them in place to create perfect-sized pockets for hand tools in your Texas garden workspace.
The durable fabric withstands the elements while keeping tools accessible. Houston community gardens have implemented these clever storage solutions throughout their shared spaces, making tool borrowing and returning more organized during busy planting weekends.