As January's chill sets in, gardeners are being urged to think twice before throwing away a common household item. A viral tip from a popular social media expert suggests that cardboard toilet roll tubes can be a secret weapon for a healthier, more productive garden.
From Bathroom to Back Garden
Gardening enthusiast Ish, who shares advice as @gardening.with.ish on TikTok, has outlined a simple method to repurpose these tubes. He advocates for saving them throughout the colder month of January 2026 to tackle several seasonal tasks. This approach not only reduces household waste but also provides free, biodegradable materials for outdoor projects.
Three Nifty Garden Hacks
Ish demonstrates three primary uses for the humble cardboard tube. First, they can be added directly to a compost heap. The worms absolutely love this stuff, he explains, noting that the cardboard breaks down easily to create rich compost.
Secondly, the tubes make perfect, biodegradable seedling pots. Simply fill them with soil and start your seeds. After three to four weeks, the entire pot can be planted into a larger container or directly into the ground. The cardboard will decompose naturally, causing minimal root disturbance to the young plant.
The third trick involves weed and pest control. By cutting the tube open and laying it flat on the soil, you create an effective, temporary weed membrane that suppresses growth as it slowly breaks down over months. Alternatively, placing a tube collar around young seedlings can protect them from slugs and snails, while also helping stems grow straight.
Why It Works Now
This method is particularly beneficial in January. The cardboard acts as a thermal layer, offering slight frost protection to plant beds during the coldest spells. It's also an ideal time to prepare for the spring growing season by starting seeds indoors or suppressing weeds in dormant beds.
The video has resonated with many, with numerous viewers commenting to share their own success stories using this sustainable technique. It turns a simple piece of recycling into a powerful tool for composting, seed starting, and weed suppression, proving that some of the best gardening solutions can be found right in your bathroom cabinet.
