The Savvy Way To Protect Seedlings In The Garden Using An Old Tin Can

In the spring, one of the most exciting moments for a gardener is to finally bring plants out into the garden. But there are some mistakes gardeners make when transplanting seedlings, including not providing enough protection. Tiny seedlings are especially vulnerable when they are first planted outside, whether you use raised beds or place them directly in the ground. To offer easy protection and help give your transplants time to grow larger and stronger, by providing a protective barrier, consider reusing old tin cans you might have around the house. WyseGuide on YouTube uses this hack in his garden, collecting cans throughout the year to place them around plants. Simply remove the bottom of the can so it is a tube, then push the can into the soil around the seedling.

Before moving any seedling outdoors, you should be hardening them off, which helps save your garden seedlings from transplant shock. But simply hardening your new plants in preparation for outdoor conditions may not be enough. Spring winds and storms can be brutal in some areas and harmful to new plants. Plus, the tender new leaves of many seedlings are delicacies to rabbits and other small creatures. Any type of a barrier around your plants in the garden can make a big difference against these challenges. Tin cans also can keep cutworm pests away from your plants.

When choosing a tin can to put aside for this hack, almost any size could work. As long as the can is wider and taller than your seedling, nuts, tomato sauce, or coffee cans will do the job. If you prefer a can that will allow the plant to grow, choose one that is extra large, like a 28 oz tomato sauce can.

Before bringing them out to the garden, prep any old cans. They should be washed to rid them of any food residue, especially anything that could attract pests. Remove any paper that may not be biodegradable. Finally, turn the can over and remove its bottom using a can opener. Your tin can is now ready to go to protect your plants.

You should already avoid tossing empty cans so you can use them as adorable garden decor, but they also are easy to repurpose in other ways. In the vegetable garden, it's as easy as sticking them in the ground. First, plant your seedlings in the garden. Then take a tin can with the bottom removed and stick it into the soil around a plant you want to protect. The can should stay secure until you need to remove it after the plant gets bigger.