Hidden plastics in your garden and how to replace them...

Gardening is often seen as a hobby that brings us closer to nature, yet lurking in many gardens are hidden plastics that undermine this connection. From seed trays to plant labels, plastic has a sneaky way of infiltrating even the greenest of spaces without us realising.

Don’t be hard on yourself if you discover hidden plastics in your collection of gardening tools and equipment. The best thing to do is continue using them until they’ve reached the end of their lifespan, then recycle and replace them with quality, plastic-free items.

Here’s a breakdown of five common gardening products where plastic often plays an unseen role, and sustainable alternatives to replace them.

1. Seed trays

Problem: Traditional plastic seed trays are flimsy and prone to cracking, often lasting only a season or two before they break or degrade in the sun. While they may seem convenient, their short lifespan means they end up contributing to plastic waste, often in landfill.

Solution: Rubber seed trays

Instead of plastic, opt for natural rubber seed trays. These are flexible, long-lasting, and crack-resistant, unlike their plastic counterparts. Rubber’s flexibility makes it easier to remove seedlings without damaging them. For example, this seed tray comes with 20 cells, making it ideal for a range of seeds, and its black colour actually increases its durability in sunlight. A sustainable option that works just as well - if not better - than the standard plastic varieties.

2. Cane connectors for plant-protecting structures

Problem: Plastic cane connectors, used to hold up structures like bean poles or tomato frames, can often become brittle and break after a single season.

Solution: Flexible cane connectors made from natural rubber

Switch to natural rubber cane connectors. These offer flexibility and durability, designed to withstand the rigours of seasonal weather and weight bearing. With openings on six sides, these connectors can link bamboo canes or other sticks up to 1.2cm thick. Natural rubber also ensures the product is biodegradable, eliminating plastic from this key part of your garden setup.

3. Seed labels

Problem: Plastic seed labels may seem like a small issue, but they’re notoriously single-use and often end up scattered in the soil or compost pile, where they degrade slowly.

Solution: Bamboo seed labels

Ditch the plastic and opt for bamboo seed labels, which are both functional and eco-friendly. Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that can serve the same purpose as plastic, with the added benefit of being biodegradable. These labels are easy to insert into the soil, and they last longer without becoming brittle or faded. Plus, they come in an organic cotton bag - a neat, reusable storage solution.

4. Gardening gloves

Problem: Vinyl and nitrile gloves, common in gardening, are made from synthetic materials that are not biodegradable. They may provide protection, but they come at a significant environmental cost, contributing to the production of microplastics.

Solution: Organic cotton and natural rubber gloves

For a more sustainable approach, choose gloves made from organic cotton and fairly traded natural rubber. These gloves are a renewable, biodegradable alternative that perform just as well as synthetic ones. With rubber providing grip and cotton ensuring comfort, you’re not only protecting your hands, but also the planet.

5. Twine

Problem: Some gardeners use synthetic twine, which is often made of plastic and doesn’t decompose. Over time, this leads to microplastics entering the soil, with long-term environmental impacts.

Solution: Organic wool and rubber twine

This twine is an eco-friendly alternative, made from organic Himalayan sheep’s wool and natural rubber. The triple-twisted twine is strong, long-lasting and fully biodegradable. Once its use in the garden is done, it will break down naturally, leaving no trace of plastic behind. It’s an effective solution for tying up plants without adding plastic waste.

By making small, thoughtful changes in your gardening routine, such as replacing these hidden plastic products, you’re taking steps towards a more sustainable future! Plus, you’re not compromising on performance - in fact, plastic-free gardening products can perform even better (and for longer) than their plastic counterparts. Let Plastic-Free Gardening help you make the switch today!