13 Low-cost garden tools

Mar 24, 2011 6:28 AM by Michelle Maffei

Posted in Home / Outdoor & Gardening / Gardening

Use Everyday Items For Gardening

You know that recycling can save the planet, but did you know that it can save you some cash, too? From milk jugs to old blankets, you can grow some green while saving some green when you discover these 13 low-cost garden tools recycled from everyday items.

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Newspaper weed barrier

Lay down six layers of newspaper before covering with soil or mulch for a biodegradable weed and grass barrier for no-dig gardens.

Find out how to create a no-dig vegetable garden. >>

Dollar-store kitchen sheArs

Trim excess costs by using kitchen shears for everyday pruning, scored from the dollar store, instead of expensive pruning shears.

Dish-pan gardening tool tote

Easily carry garden tools around your garden with an old dishpan, which can also double as a portable potting bench.

Carpet-scrap garden kneeler

Keep knees comfy and clean with a portion of excess carpet while you do your gardening duties.

Tuna-can rain gauge

Leave an empty, clean tuna can (top removed) in your garden to measure how much water your precious plants are getting each week.

Blanket for protection from the frost

Tuck your tender leaves in at night with an old blanket to keep the cold air from stripping heat from the leaves.

Discover how to take care of your garden when frost damage strikes. >>

Popsicle-stick plant markers

Mark vegetation with a clean Popsicle stick so you know what and where every variety dwells in your garden.

"Recycling and reusing plastic containers [around your home] helps divert valuable materials from the landfill and can save you money in the process," says Leslie Segrete, home improvement expert and featured spokesperson on plasticsmakeitpossible.com. "Reducing our waste of plastics is a great way to keep Mother Nature happy."

And, of course, plastics are just the beginning -- so get creative using recycled items as low-cost garden tools. With a little inspiration and a green thumb for gardening, chances are you'll never look at an empty milk jug the same way again!