HOW TO: Teabag Box Flowerpots

When I had an allotment, one of the things that really struck me was how much recycling, re-purposing and general 'make do and mend' was going on amongst my fellow allotment growers.  All gardeners have a knack for making use of ordinary objects to help them out in the garden and down the allotment.

You may recall my blog post showing you how to make newspaper plant pots – a great way to create loads of environmentally-friendly flower pots at no cost, that can be planted directly into the ground and thus avoiding root disturbance.

However, the savvy gardener really can make use of anything.  When starting another batch of pea seeds off, I needed a container but had run out of pots and newspaper.  Undeterred, I looked in the recycling bin and found an old teabag box and set about re-purposing it.  Here's how I did it.

First, take the lid off, since this is not needed.  

Ensure that you pierce a few holes in the bottom, using an old pencil to pierce the box a few times.  This ensures some drainage.

Fill with compost, plant your seeds and Bob's your uncle!

As you can see, this makes an effective pot that is as good as any flowerpot.  Why not have a go yourself?

So, what have you thrifty lot managed to re-purpose?  I'd really love to see what odds and ends are helping you out with your vegetable growing and gardening.  Please tweet me your photos to @londonveggarden or come and post your photos on our Facebook page wall!  Thanks!