June, 2023 - Dollar Tree Baskets!

Tip of the Month - Given by Dana Harper

Most of us know all about Dollar Tree and the 'goodies' we can find there. But what we need to do is to look beyond the obvious use of an item, especially when it comes to our gardens. 

Take, for example, these small mesh trash cans.

Have an issue with rabbits, deer or squirrels nibbling on your seedlings?

Take one of these mesh baskets and cover the seedling. Fasten it securely to the ground with a landscaping peg (or make your own with heavy gauge wire). A couple of pegs and the nibblers can no long reach those tender young leaves. 

When the plant gets larger, you can take the trash can and flip it over. Cut out a circle in the bottom and replace it over the growing plant, fastening it down again. 

Sunlight and water can easily get through the mesh, but plant eaters, of the 4 legged variety, can't. 

But don't throw away the circles you cut out of the center!

Have containers which your local squirrel feels like it is a buffet to dig into? Lay out the circles on top of the soil, fastening them down. Now you have a no dig container for those furry pests. 

It would be easy to drape some row cover over the trash can for early spring brassica to add additional protection, keeping out both rabbits and flying crop eaters. A bit of clear plastic and you would have a mini-greenhouse for early planting. 

While you aren't going to get decades of use out of the mesh trash cans, they will last for a couple of years (or more). Pick them up, they are easy to stack and store away until needed again.