Tip #1: Don’t throw out those round plastic lid covers from baked goods. Recycle and use them as saucers for your houseplants. Most are large and deep enough to fit 10-12 inch or larger containers. They are made of heavy plastic and will hold enough water to give plants a good watering. Add gravel or decorative rocks so the bottoms of plants aren’t sitting in water.
Tip #2: Those large square lids that cover deli sandwich trays can be used to cover seedling trays in the spring. The lid will help keep seeds moist and if trays are sitting on heating mats, will also help keep them warm.
Tip #3: Save mesh bags from your onion purchases to wash soil from iris divisions. Put roots into the bag, clip a tag that identifies type and color and let them soak overnight. When the roots are plump, you can pot them or plant them in the ground. With iris, remember not to bury them—just barely cover the roots with soil. If planted too deeply, they won’t bloom.