Gardeners are being urged to repurpose old milk cartons as an alternative to simply recycling them. Instead of discarding these containers, they can be transformed into effective tools for gardening tasks, particularly for boosting seed growth and speeding up germination.
According to Wales Recycles, the UK consumes approximately 60,000 tonnes of milk cartons annually. However, only 29.5% of these cartons are recycled, with the remaining 70.5% ending up in landfills or being incinerated. By repurposing these cartons, gardeners can not only save money but also contribute to combating climate change.
TikTok user and gardening enthusiast Simon Akeroyd has demonstrated a simple yet effective method for using empty milk bottles to grow herbs. In a one-minute video, Akeroyd provides a step-by-step guide to this eco-friendly gardening technique. He begins by making holes in the base of a milk carton, cutting around three sides of the bottle, and filling it with peat-free compost. He then places herb seeds, such as parsley, on top of the moist compost and positions the carton on a sunny windowsill, watering it every few days.
Akeroyd describes the milk bottles as “warm mini greenhouses,” which create an ideal environment for seed germination. After just two weeks, the parsley seeds grow into a healthy and well-developed plant. His method not only promotes sustainable gardening practices but also encourages creativity and resourcefulness.
With a growing TikTok following of 802.7k and over 12.5k likes on his videos, Akeroyd has become a popular figure in the gardening community. He has also authored more than 30 gardening books, focusing on budget-friendly and environmentally conscious gardening tips.
By repurposing milk cartons, gardeners can create beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces while reducing waste. This method is particularly accessible to beginners, as it requires minimal expertise and offers a rewarding way to contribute to environmental conservation.
