When it comes to finding creative and unconventional uses for everyday items, gardeners are experts at thinking outside the box. One common household item that has found its way into the garden is the humble pool noodle. While typically used for fun in the sun, pool noodles can also serve a practical purpose in your garden.
One of the most popular ways to use pool noodles in the garden is as a protective barrier. By making a lengthwise cut halfway into the noodle, you can easily slip it onto sharp wires or edges of chicken wire, hardware cloth fences, or plant cages. This simple trick not only prevents cuts and scratches but also adds a touch of color and whimsy to your garden.
Pool noodles can also be repurposed as plant markers. Simply cut the noodle into smaller pieces and write the name of your plants on them with a permanent marker. Not only will this help you keep track of your garden layout, but it will also add a pop of color to your plant beds.
For those looking to add a bit of flair to their garden, pool noodles can be used to create decorative elements. Cut the noodles into various shapes and sizes, then string them together to make colorful garlands or hanging decorations. These inexpensive and lightweight decorations can easily be swapped out to match the seasons or your garden’s theme.
In addition to their decorative uses, pool noodles can also help with practical gardening tasks. For example, if you have a large pot that is too heavy to move, placing a few pool noodles underneath it can help you roll it to a new location with ease. This simple hack can save you time and effort when rearranging your garden layout.
Another way to use pool noodles in the garden is to create a cushioned kneeling pad. Simply slice a pool noodle into smaller sections and secure them together with tape or zip ties. This DIY knee pad provides a comfortable and waterproof surface for kneeling while tending to your plants or doing garden maintenance.
For those who are looking to attract beneficial insects to their garden, pool noodles can be used to create shelters. By cutting the noodles into shorter lengths and stacking them together, you can provide a cozy and protected habitat for bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects. Simply place the noodle shelters around your garden to encourage these helpful pollinators to take up residence.
Pool noodles can also be used to create floating planters for your pond or water feature. Cut a pool noodle into rings and thread a piece of PVC pipe through the center to create a buoyant ring. Then, fill the ring with soil and plant aquatic plants like water lilies or lotus. These floating planters not only add a decorative touch to your water feature but also help oxygenate the water and provide habitat for aquatic wildlife.
When it comes to protecting delicate seedlings or young plants from sunburn, pool noodles can come to the rescue. Simply cut the noodles lengthwise and place them around the base of your plants to create protective collars. These collars act as a barrier against the sun’s harsh rays, preventing sunscald and protecting your plants during the hottest parts of the day.
If you have a trellis or support structure in your garden, pool noodles can be used to protect your plants from abrasions. Cut the noodles lengthwise and wrap them around the edges of your trellis to create a soft cushioning layer. This simple step can prevent damage to delicate vines or stems as they grow and climb, ensuring healthy and strong growth throughout the season.
For those who enjoy growing fruits and vegetables in their garden, pool noodles can be used to protect developing produce. Cut the noodles into small pieces and place them around the stems of fruits like pumpkins, melons, or squash. This protective barrier can help prevent fruit rot by lifting the produce off the ground and providing a cushioned surface to rest on.
When it comes to creative and practical uses for pool noodles in the garden, the possibilities are endless. From decorative accents to functional tools, pool noodles can add a unique and colorful touch to your outdoor space. So, the next time you’re looking for a budget-friendly and versatile garden hack, consider reaching for a pool noodle and getting creative in your garden.
