The idea to reuse the pipe to make some homemade seed collars from the almost indestructible pvc plastic seemed like a good reuse for it. Simple idea which is the type that always work best here at the Sandpit. So the pipe was layed our sideways and sawed through every 2 1/2 inches until I ended up with a mess of pvc collars.They are practically indestructible and make direct sewing seed in the planting beds a snap.
Just put the collar where you wish to plant a seed and give it a half twist into the soil. Then plant the seed in the middle of the collar. Your seed placement is now marked by the pvc collar.
The collar makes it easy to water the seeds as you can just fill the collar to the top with water and you will have the equivalent amount of water under ground when it soaks in. Besides that the sturdy collars provide protection for your new seedlings when they emerge. Protection from birds, bugs and the wind. After the seedlings form their first true set of leaves you can lift the collars off straight up over the plant and it is ready to use again with new seed starts or leave it on the plant also if you wish. These seed collars can be reused over and over so you only have make them once.
I also have been using plastic collars on some of my transplants made from clear plastic jugs the type cleaning detergent came in. The method is the same turn the jug on its side and slice it into sections like slicing a cucumber. These clear collars fit over the larger transplants and are great for holding back the surrounding mulch as well again for filling the collar with water so the water gets to the plants root zone instead of running off to the side.
The same idea is in play when you add some homemade nutrient tea to the plants . The collars keep the liquid over the root zone until it soaks in the soil.
These collars work well for me here and I have been happy with their benefits to the plants.
Besides you can make them yourself for free and reuse some of the plastic that ends up in our landfills so we all win.
--SANDDUNE--
What a GREAT idea. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteFlowerLady
Great idea. I always need collars to protect my pepper and bean seedlings from cutworms. I don't know why the cutworms target those seedlings but they seem to be their favorites. I've been saving paper towel and toilet paper rolls and used plastic drinking cups. Neither of those last too long between water and sun damage so they aren't reusable like your PVC. Of course, I don't have too many veggie plants either so it isn't a large scale operation around here.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a clever...and easy to do...idea! Kudos to you Sanddune.
ReplyDeleteGood re-purposing, SD! Wish I had thought of that. We always have PVC pipe laying around.
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great idea! I might use it for directly sowing the seeds in the ground. I feel the survial rate is bigger when I sow seeds in the ground than in the container since it is a little difficult to control the watering in the tiny seed pots.
ReplyDeleteFlowerlady,
ReplyDeleteSimple is always better for me and the collars work to protect and mark the seedlings. Try them you will like the results.
NanaK,
I don't get the cutworms here but there is a lot of wind. The pvc is strong and gives the sprouts a chance against the elements until they grow some.
Susan,
The collars have worked out great for me and I need every advantage I can get here in the Sandpit Garden.
FloridaGirl,
With the scrap pvc you have make some collars up and give them a try. Next time you get aggravated saw the pvc. I find it very therapeutic and you have something useful to show for your effort when you are done :-}
Ami,
I am sure you get the same strong winds in your garden as I do here. Make up some of the collars and try them. I have found that they really do make a difference in the success of the seedlings.