Page 38 - Simply Vegetables Winter 2022/23

Leaf mould heap
made into compost scoops by cutting the bottom off at an angle.
Pruning’s
The pruning’s from woody plants can be used for pea support or if long enough for bean supports saving the importation of bamboo from halfway around the world. It is also possible to grow your own bamboo canes in the U.K. just make sure they do not spread too far!
Logs and branches can be used to make wildlife habitats by stacking them in a heap. Lay them all one way and cut to fit the area if required, some soil or turf can by placed on top to form a cover or a piece of old carpet, old sheet or blanket or even polythene; make sure they are weighted down and do not blow away and soil could be used for this.
Builders Waste
This includes old scaffold boards which make good, raised beds, shelving, plant containers and if enough available sheds
or similar structures. Old window frames make very good cold frame lights or tops and double-glazed ones are even better.
If enough frames or glass is available, it is possible to make a mini greenhouse. Plastic water pipes make excellent cloches and even polytunnels if the right size. Concrete slabs stood upright make very good and
long-lasting raised beds, just fix them together at the corners with some metal brackets.
Bulk Bags
These are used to deliver sand, aggregate topsoil and compost, they are widely available, and I have used them to store wood, as temporary compost heaps, store soil and as large growbags / containers
in fact virtually raised beds where they work very well. They are handy to move garden waste especially grass cuttings and pruning’s. If the stitching is cut the material can be used as a mulch material.
Old Fertiliser and growing Media Sacks
These can be reused to carry a wide range of materials, make leaf mould in by filling with raked up leaves, wetting and make some holes in the sacks and then leave
for a year for the leaves to decompose. They can be used for temporary stores
for vegetables for a few weeks but after a while the vegetables can sweat and start to rot. If filled with compost or growing media vegetables and flowers can be grown in them, I had a good medium sized sunflower in a sack last year!
Old Fridges and Freezers
These make good fruit stores; they can be put in the garage or other convenient place
Recycled meat trays
not plugged in and the fruit stored in trays inside. This keeps a steady temperature and prevents rodents getting to the fruit. Old filing cabinets work just as well.
Stockings, Tights and socks
Cut these into rings / strips and they make good plant ties as they are strong, flexible, and soft so do not damage the plants. Check with the wearer before using!
Old Step Ladders
These make good plant ladders or shelves, the steps are used to put the pots or containers on and the upper steps do not shade the lower steps. With the right plants they can look quite attractive or be used to grow small vegetables like salad leaves.
Carpets and Mats
These can be cut into squares to fit the top of the compost heap and used to cover compost heaps to keep excessive rain out and the heat in. They also make good mulches to prevent weed growth and retain moisture in the soil. They are very useful to clear overgrown allotments, just strim or cut down any weeds and then cover with carpet or cardboard and leave for at least 12 months. Making a X cross
in the material and plants can be planted through to get a crop off while you wait for the weeds to die. Do not use rubber backed carpets as they tend to break up after a few months.
Carpets can also be laid under woodchip or bark paths to prevent it mixing with the soil underneath making them last longer and preventing weeds growing.
Styrofoam Peanuts
These are used in packaging and can
be used in the bottom of large pots or containers to save on growing media and reduce the weight of the full container, they may also help with drainage.
Netting out of skip
Pea supports
38 Simply Vegetables