Spring time is here for most Americans and that means a few things: longer days, spring cleaning and getting the garden tilled and ready to go! Spring is also a great time for a move — mild weather and cheaper rates are at the top of my list! Nothing is better than starting a garden at your new home; not only do they add curb appeal, gardens also provide a way to be sustainable by growing fresh fruits and veggies right in your back yard.
But did you know you can re-purpose your moving boxes for use in your garden? It sounds crazy, right? I was shocked by the amount of things you can use recycled boxes for in the yard. So after your finished unloading the moving truck, pull up a chair and get ready to be amazed. In this post I will show you some of the tips and tricks I found most useful in my garden at home (just because I’m a guy doesn’t mean I don’t like fresh veggies and nice looking flowers.)
Planter Box
Plants in a Box
This one requires some thinking ahead so that you don’t flatten the box after you are done with it. Find a medium to small size box that will fit in a corner or on a window sill and completely empty it out.
- Add dirt, seeds and repeat with new box.
It’s really that simple! Although I decided to paint by box a uniform black with some spray paint to give it a nice finish. I also think next time I will line the inside of the box with a trash bag to act as a moisture barrier so there are no surprise leaks.
Compost
Everyone loved science in grade school, right? Well composting is a bit of a science experiment right in your own backyard! It’s a great way to recycle all sorts of material and save money on mulch and other plant feed. The general rule of thumb is two parts darker material, like paper, dead leaves and twigs for every one part green material like grass clippings and leftover veggies.
- Completely empty a few cardboard boxes to be used. Make sure they are as bland as possible — no waxes or fancy ink designs
- Cut the box into smaller pieces with scissors or garden shears. This will make it easier for the box to decompose.
- Mix into the compost with a garden pitchfork
Weed Killer/Path
Cardboard can act as a natural weed barrier
The sole sworn enemy of any good garden is the weed. Not only do they look bad next to your other bushes and flowers, weeds take vital nutrients and water away from your other healthy plants. Cardboard boxes can be a good way to prevent the growth of weeds in your flower bed.
- Dig up and till all available soil in the selected area
- Lay cardboard down on top of soil being sure to cut out areas for plants to grow through
- Thoroughly soak cardboard
- Add fresh mulch on top of cardboard
The cardboard will last about a season, so this is something you should plan on doing each time you plant or mulch. The best part is unlike other vinyl based weed blockers, the cardboard will naturally decompose the same way it would in the compost, adding vital nutrients to the soil at the same time. The cardboard can also be used above the mulch as a walking path in between planted sections.
Do you have a great use for moving supplies in your garden? Have you ever put cardboard in your compost pile? Let us know in the comments below.
