How to start a low-plastic greenhouse routine that protects young plants and the planet
Eleanor Ashford
When one thinks of a greenhouse, visions of verdant growth often come to mind, lush leaves unfurling in the humid air, the scent of damp earth mingling with the faint trace of something floral, the promise of new life just around the corner. Yet in our modern world, these havens of horticulture can hide a less idyllic truth, rows of plastic pots, plastic trays, plastic labels... plastic everywhere. Today’s post is a love letter to those who, like me, seek to cherish the vitality of our glass sanctuaries while stepping lightly upon our earth. Let's embark on a journey towards a low-plastic greenhouse routine, one that nurtures not just our young plants but the planet as well.
The Beauty of Glass Over Plastic
One of the most glorious attributes of a greenhouse is its transparency, and in the grand tradition of British craftsmanship, we find beauty in those sturdy panels that let in just the right amount of light. Plastic, though often marketed as a miracle material, falls short in durability and sustainability. Retiring those old plastic panes in favour of real glass is like upgrading from a shaky bedside reading lamp to the soft, enveloping glow of a library chandelier. While it may require a bit of investment and care (please do mind the ladder if you’re reaching up above!), glass can last for decades and is infinitely more forgiving to our planet.
Treasures of the Soil: Reusable Growing Trays
Now, let's talk containers. Those flimsy seed trays and pots that seem to multiply at the back of the greenhouse shelf, what is a gardener to do with them? Alas, they are as ephemeral as a summer’s breeze and far less charming. Instead, might I suggest indulging in the durable charm of terracotta pots or modules made from recycled paper or coir? The earthy tones offer a visually soothing contrast to the fresh green of seedlings and oh, how wonderfully they breathe! Over time, these materials weather into their landscape, whispering tales of gardens past and future. They can be reused season after season and composted at life’s end—truly, they are gifts that keep on giving.
Water Wisely: Eco-Friendly Hydration
Water is the lifeblood of any garden, and within the confines of a greenhouse, how and when we choose to water can encircle a plant’s fate. Enter the water wand, the gentle instrument of choice for precision and care. But beware of those plastic hoses that creep their way into our habitats. Consider alternatives like old-fashioned watering cans (how charmingly nostalgic!) made of metal or sturdy rubber hoses. And what of water waste? Every drop should count. Rainwater harvesting is an elegant solution, harnessing nature’s bounty to nourish our plantings. A simple water butt, positioned smartly to collect run-off, will do wonders for conservation.
Wonderful Weaves: Biodegradable Twine and Ties
The image of climbing plants elegantly spiralling skyward is enough to make any gardener swoon. Yet their climb often relies on a mass of twist ties and plastic supports that linger long after the bloom. Jute, sisal, and other natural fibres provide a tactile, biodegradable answer that can easily keep your plants in tow without the environmental to-do. These materials weather away like an old friend, a gentle goodbye rather than a century-long standoff. For structural supports, bamboo stakes or willow hoops add rigidity without regret.
Labels of Love: Non-Plastic Markers
Labelling one’s seedlings is an exercise in anticipation, after all, who knows what future glut awaits in that tray of indistinguishable green shoots? In place of those ubiquitous plastic labels, why not try something different? Repurposing old wine corks (perhaps from a fine vintage savoured while planning your garden) with wooden stakes or investing in reusable slate markers adds an element of bespoke craft to your routine, and such ingenuity often inspires conversation among visiting friends.
A Simple Swap: Real Fabric Over Plastic
The thoughtful gardener knows that nurturing doesn’t end with planting. Protection from cool spring days or an unexpected frost can mean the difference between thriving plants and a garden needing desperate resuscitation. Here is where some often rely heavily on plastic cloches or poly tunnels, yet these too can be swept aside in favour of something kinder and longer-lasting, textiles like garden fleece or Hessian cloth offer insulation and can be draped beautifully over your tender plants, allowing them to breathe while protecting them. Once they have outlived their usefulness, these fabrics return benignly to earth.
A Personal Anecdote from My Greenhouse
When it comes to avoiding plastic in my own greenhouse, I recall one particular summer morning, a morning that dawned with the perfect harmony of sunshine and promise. I wandered into my greenhouse, the dewy air ripe with potential. Pausing for a moment, I lost myself in the symphony of buzzing bees and fragrant foliage. My hands rested lightly on the comforting curve of a terracotta pot where a row of seedlings stood to attention, each one nestled in coir compost of my own making. At that moment, I felt a deep kinship with the garden and with the generations of gardeners before me who embraced simplicity and sustainability.
Mindful Moments: The Quiet of Gardening
Taking steps towards sustainability is not just an exercise in stewardship, it is also a practice in mindfulness. Each choice, be it a terracotta pot or natural twine, is a cog in the larger mechanism of one’s gardening ethos. It is in these quiet, seemingly small choices that we cultivate a space characterised by intention and care. For when we pause to consider the lifecycle of the tools and materials we employ, we naturally align ourselves with the deeper rhythms of the earth.
From the Ground Up: A New Approach for All
As we consider our low-plastic greenhouse routines, let’s remind ourselves that gardening is ever a work in progress. It’s about little changes that together, create a significant impact, cues taken from observing how nature manages without waste. It's a reminder to be patient, to be observant, and to always be prepared for whatever the natural world may bring our way. Every season is a new opportunity to refine, reassess, and rejuvenate.
So, dear gardening companions, let us set forth with small trowels in hand and hearts full of hope for a greener future. Whether novice or seasoned expert, know that your choices matter, that even the humblest potting seed tray can be part of the chorus advocating for change. Together, we can craft greenhouse routines that honour our connections to the earth, celebrating the simple joys of growing, nurturing, and of course, cultivating a future ever so slightly less burdened by plastic. Here’s to planting the seeds of tomorrow, astonishingly green and verdantly alive.
The Beauty of Glass Over Plastic
One of the most glorious attributes of a greenhouse is its transparency, and in the grand tradition of British craftsmanship, we find beauty in those sturdy panels that let in just the right amount of light. Plastic, though often marketed as a miracle material, falls short in durability and sustainability. Retiring those old plastic panes in favour of real glass is like upgrading from a shaky bedside reading lamp to the soft, enveloping glow of a library chandelier. While it may require a bit of investment and care (please do mind the ladder if you’re reaching up above!), glass can last for decades and is infinitely more forgiving to our planet.
Treasures of the Soil: Reusable Growing Trays
Now, let's talk containers. Those flimsy seed trays and pots that seem to multiply at the back of the greenhouse shelf, what is a gardener to do with them? Alas, they are as ephemeral as a summer’s breeze and far less charming. Instead, might I suggest indulging in the durable charm of terracotta pots or modules made from recycled paper or coir? The earthy tones offer a visually soothing contrast to the fresh green of seedlings and oh, how wonderfully they breathe! Over time, these materials weather into their landscape, whispering tales of gardens past and future. They can be reused season after season and composted at life’s end—truly, they are gifts that keep on giving.
Water Wisely: Eco-Friendly Hydration
Water is the lifeblood of any garden, and within the confines of a greenhouse, how and when we choose to water can encircle a plant’s fate. Enter the water wand, the gentle instrument of choice for precision and care. But beware of those plastic hoses that creep their way into our habitats. Consider alternatives like old-fashioned watering cans (how charmingly nostalgic!) made of metal or sturdy rubber hoses. And what of water waste? Every drop should count. Rainwater harvesting is an elegant solution, harnessing nature’s bounty to nourish our plantings. A simple water butt, positioned smartly to collect run-off, will do wonders for conservation.
Wonderful Weaves: Biodegradable Twine and Ties
The image of climbing plants elegantly spiralling skyward is enough to make any gardener swoon. Yet their climb often relies on a mass of twist ties and plastic supports that linger long after the bloom. Jute, sisal, and other natural fibres provide a tactile, biodegradable answer that can easily keep your plants in tow without the environmental to-do. These materials weather away like an old friend, a gentle goodbye rather than a century-long standoff. For structural supports, bamboo stakes or willow hoops add rigidity without regret.
Labels of Love: Non-Plastic Markers
Labelling one’s seedlings is an exercise in anticipation, after all, who knows what future glut awaits in that tray of indistinguishable green shoots? In place of those ubiquitous plastic labels, why not try something different? Repurposing old wine corks (perhaps from a fine vintage savoured while planning your garden) with wooden stakes or investing in reusable slate markers adds an element of bespoke craft to your routine, and such ingenuity often inspires conversation among visiting friends.
A Simple Swap: Real Fabric Over Plastic
The thoughtful gardener knows that nurturing doesn’t end with planting. Protection from cool spring days or an unexpected frost can mean the difference between thriving plants and a garden needing desperate resuscitation. Here is where some often rely heavily on plastic cloches or poly tunnels, yet these too can be swept aside in favour of something kinder and longer-lasting, textiles like garden fleece or Hessian cloth offer insulation and can be draped beautifully over your tender plants, allowing them to breathe while protecting them. Once they have outlived their usefulness, these fabrics return benignly to earth.
A Personal Anecdote from My Greenhouse
When it comes to avoiding plastic in my own greenhouse, I recall one particular summer morning, a morning that dawned with the perfect harmony of sunshine and promise. I wandered into my greenhouse, the dewy air ripe with potential. Pausing for a moment, I lost myself in the symphony of buzzing bees and fragrant foliage. My hands rested lightly on the comforting curve of a terracotta pot where a row of seedlings stood to attention, each one nestled in coir compost of my own making. At that moment, I felt a deep kinship with the garden and with the generations of gardeners before me who embraced simplicity and sustainability.
Mindful Moments: The Quiet of Gardening
Taking steps towards sustainability is not just an exercise in stewardship, it is also a practice in mindfulness. Each choice, be it a terracotta pot or natural twine, is a cog in the larger mechanism of one’s gardening ethos. It is in these quiet, seemingly small choices that we cultivate a space characterised by intention and care. For when we pause to consider the lifecycle of the tools and materials we employ, we naturally align ourselves with the deeper rhythms of the earth.
From the Ground Up: A New Approach for All
As we consider our low-plastic greenhouse routines, let’s remind ourselves that gardening is ever a work in progress. It’s about little changes that together, create a significant impact, cues taken from observing how nature manages without waste. It's a reminder to be patient, to be observant, and to always be prepared for whatever the natural world may bring our way. Every season is a new opportunity to refine, reassess, and rejuvenate.
So, dear gardening companions, let us set forth with small trowels in hand and hearts full of hope for a greener future. Whether novice or seasoned expert, know that your choices matter, that even the humblest potting seed tray can be part of the chorus advocating for change. Together, we can craft greenhouse routines that honour our connections to the earth, celebrating the simple joys of growing, nurturing, and of course, cultivating a future ever so slightly less burdened by plastic. Here’s to planting the seeds of tomorrow, astonishingly green and verdantly alive.