Bits and Pieces...The reduce/reuse/recycle thread

[stevejelf]

A push over composter for free

Sorry I am trying to get used to adding pictures the previous picture posts disappeared

[stevejelf]

Later out came the tools

[stevejelf]

Pulled apart and saved the nails

[stevejelf]

What should have been a 60x60x60 bin but I used some additional left overs even used the old nails The idea is once well rotted at the base Iwill just push it over to empty

[Zjho]

Spare table knives, the type which have thicker blades can be made a mini saw for cutting through thicker stalks, something that most normal serated knives don't do well. A triangular file is needed and slots cut at alternating 45 degree angles as with carpenter's panel saws. Could even set (bend out) teeth with pliers though have not found that step necessary so far.

[Zjho]

Another recently made tap root weeder

[Plot70]

I use a bricklayers pointing tool for taproot weeding.
I found it in a big bag of rusty tools in a skip.

[Andraste]

Not strictly a reuse/recycle but more of a repurpose/cost-saver but I made my own carrot seed tape last year with 2-ply toilet paper:

Roll out the required length(s)
Split the ply
Space out the seeds on the bottom layer
Fold the top layer back over
Give it a spritz with some water so the layers stick back to themselves
Roll the length onto an empty loo-roll inner to make it easier to transport & lay out on the plot

All the benefits of seed tape without the inflated cost. There were a few gaps in the rows but no losses to carrotfly (not meshed) even though they're supposedly rife on our site I'll be giving it a try for parsnips this year too.

[Andraste]

I repurposed a 6" meat skewer (old-school fixers for rolled joints not the massive kebab ones) for poking drainage holes when reusing plastic containers for seeds/plants. I find I get a nice clean hole without risk of splitting the container if I warm the end of the skewer over the gas hob before poking.

Now can someone tell me where I put the darn thing after I used it last!

[mothhawk]

I use a heated skewer too! I keep mine in the knife drawer

[Andraste]

That's where mine usually lives too mothhawk but be jiggered if I can see it!

[Nicos]

^^^^ look next to/ under the tray in the drawer if there is one. I’m sure I have Borrowers in this house- that’s where they’d be likely to hide things like that!

[greenishfing]

I'd usually find that my husband had borrowed/repurposed it and it had disappeared into a black hole (never to appear again).

[Andraste]

Checked under the cutlery tray - no joy. OH firmly denies having moved or used it but I'm not convinced