Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...ENJOY!

Today the boys and I are going to try and show you

In true 'Blue Peter' style,

how to make life easy on yourself

and how to be kind to the planet!

You could also add to that list

that you're going to get something for nothing too!!!

Like the sound of that?

Read on!

 

We have planted some sunflower seeds

in homemade recycled newspaper pots!

First...You need to gather together

Newspapers

Stapler and staples

and an

Aerosol can

(hmmm that last one isn't very eco friendly is it?)

Next you get one sheet of newspaper

and tear it down the centre.

(Notice how easy this is?

Even the kids can do it)

Take 1 of the sheets and fold it down

top to bottom, like this...

and then fold over the 2 flaps back about an inch.

Thank you Jacob!

Next you take your can,

that has to have a 'concave' bottom like this...

and place it on the paper like so...

Roll the can along, keeping it tight and lined up

along the edges as you go.

Now then, the bottom of the can needed to

be shaped that way so you can fold the ends in and

sort of squash them in it...

Try and be neat and fold and squish as you go!

(Did Blue Peter presenters use the term 'SQUISH?')

Nearly finished now!

I told you it was easy!

You can adust the depth of the pot

by messing around with the size of the

newspaper, or how you fold it down.

OK

Next you need to stand your can up and

crush it down on a hard surface.

Remove the can and secure the loose flap

with a staple if you wish.

It only takes a few seconds to make 1

once you get used to it.

They stand up OK once filled with compost.

But I put mine in a tray.

We moved outside and filled them with compost.

Watered them, and planted

our sunflower seeds in to them.

IF you thought that was easy...

Wait until the time comes to plant them in the ground.

You just make a hole,

and plop the whole thing in!

EASY!

The roots will push their way through the paper

even before you plant them out,

and the paper will break down

easily in to the soil.

They are particulary good

for things that need a deep root,

Sweet Peas,

or don't like their roots being disturbed,

Parsnips, Carrots and Sweetcorn (?)

Try not to keep them too wet,

but obviously wet enough.

You can tear off the paper from the bottom

before planting if you so wish.

The peat pots you can buy will

obviously cost you money,

and are they as friendly to our plant

as these?  I think not.

You may save and collect spent loo rolls

but I believe the glue makes them develop mould

and not break down as well.

I hope they work for you!

I cannot take full credit for these

brill pots..

I read about them on a fab forum I use HERE.

Maybe it is a few weeks too late in the season

for you gardening experts,

but what started off as something to do with the children

has turned out to be quite an enormous post.

At last i've banished bloggers block!

Have fun.