Got an old set of blinds you're about to dispose of? Window-blind slats make great plant i.d. markers! It's simple: remove the slats and cut them into 8" lengths (make sure one end is cut to a point). You can write on them with permanent marker to label what you've planted so you never forget "what is where"!

Starting seeds? Those paper egg cartons work great- Just cut the top off and place it under the egg compartments, fill them with seed starting mix and add seeds. Each section can be torn off and placed directly into the ground without disturbing the root system and the carton is biodegradable.

Place packing peanuts in the bottoms of pots to provide good drainage and reduce weight. Leave enough room for the plants' root systems to fully develop.

You can turn almost anything into a planter- like a vintage teapot, worn out boots, a hollowed log, an old tree stump, a leaky bird bath, an old instrument, or even a wooden chair without a seat can easily become a flowerpot holder, or turn an old washtub into a raised bed for herbs!

Get more green peppers from your plants by placing a few drops of honey on them when they begin to blossom. This attracts bees who will pollinate the plants.

Recycle an old mailbox by placing it in the garden in a handy spot and use it as a small tool shed. Keep an extra trowel, clippers and gloves in it so they are close by when you need them.

Design your own stepping stones by lining a foil pie pan with plastic wrap and filling with cement (I have used quickcrete- works great and comes in a wide variety of colors). Just before it sets, decorate it with handprints, marbles, shells, rocks or anything you want...maybe even a hot wheels car!

Milk jugs have many uses and can always be recycled afterwards~ One idea is for berry picking: cut the top off and put your belt through the handle. This leaves both hands free to pluck berries as well as somewhere to collect them! Another idea is a slow release watering method: poke a small hole in the bottom corner of a jug and fill it with water. Cap the jug and place it next to the plants so the water slowly leaks out giving the plant a better chance to soak up the water!

Try hanging old CD's or foil pie pans in the garden or in fruit trees to deter pests that want to feast on your goods. The noise and random light flashing should do the trick, and if you move them around a bit it keeps them guessing.

Save $$$$ by laying down some old newspaper or cardboard under your mulch instead of expensive landscape fabric. It does the trick at keeping weeds and grass at bay and it's biodegradable.

Line large flowerpots with newspaper and put recycled egg cartons in the bottom. This helps retain a little more moisture so the roots don't "cook" on hot days. Simply soak the cartons overnight and break them up into chunks before adding soil.

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