Gardening tasks aren’t everyone’s favourite as they can be time-consuming and often expensive. However, an old clothing piece can be as effective as any other tool – and it’s technically free.
The warmer the temperatures get and the spring season around the corner mean more gardening jobs to do in preparation for the spring and summer seasons. While it may not be a favourite task for many, there’s no greater feeling than having a beautifully arranged garden space filled with colourful flowers and healthy plants.
Planting a tree can have a lot benefits, but taking care of it can be much harder than it seems, especially when it comes to ensuring its proper growth and support. But don’t worry – gardening experts have revealed an unusual clothing item that can work wonders when it comes to planting trees.
They’ve recommended using a surprising item: old stockings. Available to purchase across all UK supermarkets and clothing stores, with prices starting at £3.50.
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They said: “Instead of using zip-ties, made of single-use plastic that can constrict growth and be hard to remove, or twine, which quickly disintegrates, Jentz often uses pieces of flexible pantyhose to tie up her clematis or scarlet runner beans.”
Stockings are used in gardening to provide strong support for plants without damaging their stems or vines. Since stockings are made from a stretchy, breathable material, they allow for better air circulation, which is vital for healthy plant growth.
Gardeners can also use other types of clothing that are stretchy enough. So, it turns out that holding onto your old clothes might be more useful than you think!
How does it work? It’s simple. Cut the stockings into strips of the required length, and then tie up the vines where needed. While the material may be fragile when used on thorny plants such as roses or raspberries, it works excellently for thinner vines like clematis. The stockings also help keep your plants in place without damaging their delicate stems or blocking airflow.
In addition to providing support, it can serve other useful purposes in the garden. They can act as a protective barrier for fruits and vegetables, preventing pests from reaching.
Gardeners can also use them to create wicks, which draw water from a container to the plants. Another clever use is for storing onions and garlic or covering fruits to protect them from the insects.
The most important benefit is that stockings are often made from natural materials, which means they can be composted, making them an environmentally friendly option.
By using an old item of clothing by finding a new purpose, gardeners aren’t only save money but also contributing to a more sustainable gardening practice.
Using the right tools and materials can make gardening easier and more efficient. So, the next time you’re digging in the garden, consider how a simple pair of stockings can help you work smarter, not harder!