Don’t throw out your milk cartons – gardener shares handy hack that will protect your flowerbeds until summer

AS we wait out the rest of the winter, a simple step can help to protect your plants. This unusual hack will help keep your flowerbeds healthy during the cold weather. Gardening experts from Farm Flavour have recommended repurposing a kitchen item you'd usually throw away.

The pros revealed that your milk cartons can provide a creative container to overwinter your flowerbeds. Whether your plants are facing frost or spring cold snaps, they will stay healthy and thriving at no extra cost. One way you can make use of a carton is by converting it into a mini greenhouse or "cloche" to shield your flowerbeds from frost and pests.

Simply cut the bottom from your plastic carton and place it over your seedlings. This will create a warm and controlled environment for growth, especially in cold weather. "If you have room to save your empty milk jugs, now is the time to start stocking up," the experts at Farm Flavour said.

"You can cut off the top and place it upside down over your seedlings to shelter them from the cold and wind. "Or you can fill several jugs with warm water and place them in a circle around each plant to provide a little extra heat.”. Green-fingered enthusiasts can also repurpose their milk cartons into self-watering containers.

Fill the base with water and cover the opening with a cheesecloth, this will provide consistent moisture to your plants. Herbs and leafy greens in particular will benefit from this step. Milk cartons can also help promote winter seed sowing, allow these plants to germinate early.

This is done by stimulating the greenhouse effect in cold-hardy plants. You can also use your old milk cartons to create DIY watering cans, compost bins, and bird feeders. Nick Grey, Gtech Inventor and CEO shared the tasks to crack on with as Spring arrives.

1. Clean your garden. Make sure to clear away all leaves, soil and plant debris from your patios and flower beds; this creates a healthier environment for new growth, especially as we get into the summer months. Gtech’s Garden Safety Kit includes durable gardening gloves and safety glasses; perfect for comfortability whilst tackling those outdoor tasks.

2. Weeding. Early Spring is the best time to tackle weeds; if you can introduce some regular weeding into your routine, you can guarantee a tidy garden all year round. 3. Hedge maintenance. Spring is the ideal time to tidy up overgrown hedges and shrubs, as regular trimming ensures healthy growth and reduces pest issues. Using a tool like the Gtech Lightweight Hedge Trimmer can help to keep your greenery looking sharp and neat.

4. Composting. Starting a compost heap this spring is a pro-active, cost-effective way to harness nutritious soil for your plants and recycle organic waste that will benefit the overall health of your greenery and foliage. 5. Look after your lawn. Lawn care is hugely important in assuring your garden stays looking beautiful. Make sure to rake away any excess leaves and trim your grass routinely.

And even if you have a greenhouse, you can still make use of your milk cartons. They can be converted into thermal mass heaters when filled with water to absorb and release heat. These creative recycling methods help to promote sustainability in gardening.