Gardeners are being urged to put toilet paper tubes in their yard in March — it’s not as strange as it sounds

Man holding white toilet roll in the garden
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Spring is officially here, and the perfect time to start planting outdoors and get those gardens ready for the warmer weather coming our way. And if you're looking for a thrifty way to upgrade your gardening tasks, you might want to save a common bathroom item that would usually be chucked out.

Gardening expert and influencer, Ish, suggests that instead of throwing out our leftover cardboard toilet rolls, households should utilize them in the garden. While it may seem like a rather strange item to use, it can make all the difference if you do this in spring.

In fact, there are several ways you can repurpose such items in the garden. Here’s how.

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How to repurpose cardboard toilet rolls in the garden

Toilet rolls for seedlings

Toilet rolls for seedlings (Image credit: Shutterstock)

In a video posted on his TikTok @gardening.with.ish, Ish explains three ways to reuse the toilet roll in the garden. He starts by saying, "The first thing you can do is make little seedling pots, and because they are made of thin cardboard, they will naturally decompose over the next couple of months."

He then advises starting your seedlings in the first few weeks until they start to grow. But instead of taking them out and potting them up, simply put your toilet rolls into a bigger pot or in the ground. These should eventually decompose, causing very little root disturbance.

Secondly, you can add your cardboard rolls to your compost bin or heap. They will naturally decompose once you cover them with layers of organic material. Plus, Ish mentions the worms will thank you for it — and give you some healthy compost.

Finally, you could just cut up the cardboard rolls and spread them directly on the soil. Not only will it break down easily, but it’s an effective way to keep weeds from popping up. Ish also suggests placing these underneath your plant beds, which will prevent anything from coming through.

So, instead of throwing out your used toilet rolls, save them now to prepare your garden for spring — and it won’t even cost you a thing.

For more top gardening tips, check out how to make compost at home in 7 easy steps.


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Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!


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