Mistake gardeners are making with popular hack could cause plants to die
Many gardeners are using toilet paper rolls as DIY planters, but there's a crucial mistake that could cause your plants more harm than good.
A popular eco-friendly gardening hack could be causing more harm than good, according to a recent TikTok video by gardening expert Simon Akeroyd.
Gardeners repurpose the insides of toilet paper rolls as biodegradable pots, which can be planted directly into the soil.
These rolls decompose naturally, enriching the soil and providing a convenient way to start seedlings.
However, experts warn that proper usage is crucial to avoid potential pitfalls.
Simon Akeroyd pointed out a common mistake gardeners are making with recycled toilet roll pots that could lead to dried-out, dying plants.
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In a TikTok video, Akeroyd said: "Are you making this mistake with your toilet roll pots?"
He explains that many gardeners use the insides of toilet rolls as biodegradable pots because they can be planted directly into the soil without disturbing the roots, and they naturally decompose over time.
However, he warns that if the cardboard rolls are not buried entirely, they can act as a wick, drawing moisture away from the soil and the plant’s roots.
"But if you don’t bury the cardboard roll entirely," Akeroyd says, "the cardboard acts like a wick and sucks out all the moisture, resulting in dead, dried out plants.
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“So make sure you bury them nice and deep, with no cardboard above ground. And your plants will thrive."
This advice is crucial for gardeners who use toilet roll pots to ensure their plants receive the necessary hydration to grow healthy and strong.
The absorbent nature of the cardboard can inadvertently cause a significant loss of moisture from the soil if any part of it remains exposed, ultimately leading to the plant's demise.
Using toilet roll pots is a widely used method for reducing waste and supporting plant growth.
The biodegradable pots allow for easy transplanting, minimising root disturbance, and they enrich the soil as they decompose.
However, the success of this method relies on proper usage.