Being Thrifty!

(Originally submitted to Cheryl's Notes February, 2008) This is the perfect time for pulling out all of those planting pots out of the garage or basement. Wipe the cobwebs off and wash them out. Decide which you want to use for inside plants and which for outside plants. If you need to replace a few or just want to update your selection, February is a great month to find “new” ones at the thrift stores and you may even find some lawn statues, bird cages, and other outside decorations as well.

Thrift shops receive lots of donations over December and January and by mid/late January; they are putting “new” things out on the shelves. So many people drop off plant pots and other containers that are just perfect for plants. Many can be found for less than a few dollars each.

There are many thrift stores around such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul and Value Village are found in many cities across the country. When I have to go on road trips, I try to schedule in a visit to the local thrift shop. If you are fortunate to visit the coastal Maine area, visit the Goodwill Stores. L.L. Bean, based in Freeport, ME, donates (or at least use to) their returns, etc, to the regional Goodwill Stores. Other areas of the country where there are large catalog houses or manufacturers may do the same.

Because of my schedule, I rarely have time to stop at yard or tag sales, so thrift shops over the years have become one of my weaknesses. When visiting thrift stores, be open minded in what you see. You want containers that are sturdy. Will you be able to drill a hole in the bottom for drainage without destroying the container? Clay pots can often be found there. When filling them, remember, don’t fill anything over 12 inches tall with nothing but dirt/potting soil. Place several inches (at least) of Styrofoam peanuts or other light weight items, such as broken tile pieces, etc. This will not only keep the weight of the container lighter, but helps considerably with drainage.

If anyone would like to share any of the interesting conversions that they have made for their gardens from thrift store purchases, drop me a note and they can be shared in a later Cheryl’s Note.

And don’t forget the ultimate thrift find…..asking moms, grandmothers, aunts, other relatives, and friends if they have any plant pots that they aren’t using.

Until next week….
Cheryl