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5. Protect Seedlings from Pests
To keep insects and pests away from tender seedlings, place a toilet paper roll around each plant as a protective barrier. The cardboard will keep critters from nibbling on your young plants.
- How to use: Simply slide the roll over the base of the plant, making sure it’s tall enough to protect the seedlings.
6. Bird Feeder
Turn a toilet paper roll into a fun and simple bird feeder. Spread peanut butter on the outside of the roll, then roll it in birdseed. Hang it from a tree branch using string or twine, and watch as local birds come to feast.
- How to use: Spread peanut butter over the roll, coat with birdseed, and hang from a tree.
7. Weed Barrier
You can use toilet paper rolls as a natural weed barrier for your garden beds. Place the rolls horizontally along the rows of plants, filling them with soil to block weeds from growing between your plants.
- How to use: Lay the rolls around plants and fill with soil to keep weeds from taking root.
8. DIY Garden Trellis
For climbing plants like peas or beans, toilet paper rolls can serve as a DIY garden trellis. Stack them vertically or create a frame to support the plants as they grow.
- How to use: Create a vertical tower or arrange the rolls horizontally to provide support for vines and climbing plants.
9. Birdhouse Craft
To make a simple birdhouse for small birds, stack toilet paper rolls together and tie them with twine or string. You can also punch holes in the sides and add a small perch.
- How to use: Stack several toilet rolls, tie them securely, and hang in a tree to provide a cozy nesting place for birds.
10. Protect Tree Trunks
Prevent damage to young tree trunks from animals, insects, or machinery by placing a toilet paper roll around the base of the tree. This will create a barrier that helps protect the tree from harm.
- How to use: Slip the roll around the base of the tree, securing it in place with twine if needed.
11. Easy Seedling Planter Rings
For seedling plants that need a little extra support, you can use toilet paper rolls to make simple rings around the base. These rings will help to stabilize plants as they grow, especially during heavy rain or windy conditions.
- How to use: Place the roll around the base of the seedling to act as a stabilizer.
12. Shredded Paper for Composting
Instead of throwing away your used toilet paper rolls, shred them and add them to your compost pile. They are made from cardboard, which is a great carbon source for composting, helping to balance the nitrogen-rich materials like food scraps.
- How to use: Cut the rolls into small pieces and add them to your compost pile as a carbon-rich material.
13. Create a Garden Roll of Mulch
To keep your garden’s mulch in place and prevent it from being blown away, place toilet paper rolls end-to-end along the perimeter of your garden. This will help secure the mulch in place while also decomposing over time.
- How to use: Arrange the rolls in a row and fill them with mulch.
14. Compostable Pesticide Dispenser
To naturally disperse compostable pesticide or pest-repelling substances like diatomaceous earth or crushed garlic, stuff the toilet paper rolls with the material and place them in various parts of your garden. Over time, the material will slowly release, providing a natural solution to pest control.
- How to use: Fill the rolls with your chosen pesticide or repellent, and place them in areas where pests are common.
Conclusion
Toilet paper rolls are more than just a household necessity—they can be used in a variety of creative and sustainable ways to benefit your garden. From seedling starters to compostable plant pots and natural pest control methods, these simple cardboard tubes offer endless possibilities for reducing waste while helping your garden flourish.
Next time you finish a roll of toilet paper, consider saving the tube and putting it to work in your garden. By doing so, you’re not only helping your plants thrive but also contributing to a more eco-friendly gardening routine. Happy gardening!
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