Coming Around Again

Gardeners certainly don't need to be reminded of recycling by a special day. After all, we see recycling, repurposing and upcycling around us on a daily basis. The discarded storage totes we've made into planters, the two liter bottles that have been converted into long term automatic watering devices, the old water hose that now serves as a neat border and a host of other things constantly remind us that we live in a country of abundance where there is more than enough of just about anything that can be used to make life better and reduce the size of landfills.

As stewards of the land we are acutely aware of the effect our choices have on the environment and are always seeking to make the best choices for sustainable living. For us the the old adage, "Waste not. Want not." is not an outdated idea but a way of life. And we encourage others, whether they be gardeners or not, to celebrate and practice recycling not just in America, but around the world 24/7, every day of the year.

Stocking Up

On this date in 1938 patent #2,130,948 was granted for the material known as nylon. The success of this synthetic fiber led to a severe reduction in the demand for silk stockings, a ton of money for its creator, DuPont and the creation of the colloquial term nylons. But did you know that in addition to adorning the legs of millions of women past and present, nylons have a use in the garden? 

When growing melons or heavy winter squash vertically, nylons can supply much needed support(no pun intended) to make sure that your crop doesn't come crashing to the ground. And finding used nylons isn't a problem at all in most households. So give your vertical gardening efforts a lift and help delay the journey of a used item to the refuse bin.

Just Hanging Around

Less than 10% of the plastic thrown away in the U.S. each year is recycled. Before you toss out that plastic beverage container, you might consider letting it hang around for a while, literally, as a home for some of your herbs like this lemon basil plant. The people of the Earth and the Earth itself will thank you.

Before You Throw It Out

Rather than add to the considerable amount of garbage Americans produce every year. Why not consider using your old CDs and empty plastic bottles for something like these?

Let's Get Small!

You say you've got no balcony? You say your apartment is so small you have to go outside to change your mind? You say you wish you could grow something edible in your south facing window? Have I got a tomato for you! Meet Tiny Tom, a tomato plant so small that it can be grown in 6 inch(15.2 cm) pots. You say you don't have money for plant pots? Well, the little beauty pictured above is nestled in a re-purposed liquid laundry detergent container.

Just make sure you clean and rinse the container thoroughly and just as a precaution, use a plastic shopping bag with a couple of holes cut in the bottom to line the container to make sure no errant trace of detergent gets to the roots of your plants.

While it's true that you won't be able to boast about the fist size tomatoes you've grown. A little green makes the day brighter. And when they ripen, you'll have something to nibble on that won't make you feel guilty in the least. You can even sprinkle them in a salad as an extra pop of tomato flavor.

O.K., now you have no excuse not to get growing and add some fresh vegetables to your diet. Enjoy!