
Gardening hoses sometimes always end up in the trash when they spring a leak or have become too worn out to water your plants properly. But these lowly, useless items can be made into something different altogether. Here are 11 great ways old garden hoses can solve real problems and contribute to sustainable living.
1. Protecting Tree Trunks from Damage
Garden hoses may be used as a protector for young or fragile tree trunks from mowers or trimmers. It is simply a matter of cutting the hose to the length desired, slitting it lengthwise, and then applying it around the base of the tree. The result is an effective, long-lasting barrier against nicks and scrapes that might otherwise harm your trees.
2. Make a Soaker Hose for Irrigation
Convert an old garden hose to become a DIY soaker hose, efficiently watering. Just poke little holes along its length, put a cap at one end, and attach the other end to your water supply. Lay this hose in your garden beds where the water reaches directly to plant roots, and then there’s lesser evaporation of water.
3. Use it as a Flexible Tie for Heavy Objects
Old garden hoses can serve as good tying ropes for anchoring heavy loads like logs of firewood, tools, or even furniture outdoors when stormy weather threatens to blow them away. Cut into usable lengths, slit them along their length, and use as robust yet pliable ties without scratching or otherwise damaging the secured surfaces.
4. Create Comfy Handles for Buckets
Carrying heavy buckets is quite a torture to the hands. Make the handle easier to use by cutting an old hose for about an inch section and slid it over the metal handle. The simple hack gives cushioning, thus alleviating strain from heavy loads to carry.
5. Protect Garden Tools
You can extend the life of your garden tools by using pieces of old hose as blade sheaths. Cut the hose to fit over the blades of tools like pruners, shears, or saws. This prevents accidental injuries while protecting the blades from rust and wear when not in use.
6. Make a Strong Doorstop
Prevent doors from slamming shut or damaging walls by creating a doorstop from an old garden hose. Cut a short section, fill it with sand, and seal the ends with strong adhesive or duct tape. Place it behind the door for a simple yet effective solution.
7. Line Edges of Raised Garden Beds
Sharp edges on raised garden beds can be a safety hazard. Cut an old hose lengthwise and slip it over the edges of your garden bed frames. It creates a smooth, protective barrier that is less likely to cut or scrape while in the garden.
8. Build a DIY Tool Hanger
Make a homemade tool hanger from old hoses to organize your tools. Cut the hose in sections, screw them to a wall or board, and use the loops to hang tools like shovels, rakes, or hoses. The tools stay off the ground and accessible.
9. Protect Dock Lines or Boat Ropes
If you like boating, you understand how quickly dock lines and ropes can wear out from friction. Use old garden hoses as protective sleeves by sliding them over the ropes. This reduces wear and tear, extending the life of your boating gear.
10. Make a Simple Garden Border
Use an old hose as a garden border to define flower beds or pathways. Lay the hose along the desired perimeter, securing it with stakes or U-shaped pins. This flexible and inexpensive solution helps keep soil and mulch in place while giving your garden a neat appearance.
11. Turn It Into a Toy for Pets
Old garden hoses can provide hours of entertainment for your pets. Cut the hose into manageable pieces for a durable chew toy, or create a tug-of-war toy by knotting the hose. Always supervise your pets to ensure they don’t swallow any small pieces.
Tips for Working with Old Garden Hoses
Clean all the dirt, mold, and other harmful residues from your old garden hoses before using them for another purpose. Always use a sharp utility knife for clean cuts and take care while handling the material not to get injured.
Final Words
Instead of the garden hoses contributing to the mound in the waste heap, utilize these practical ways and creative answers to give an old life a new one: not only everyday problems solved, but also decreased waste and promoting a more green lifestyle. In the next scenario when your old garden hose just happens to rupture, think two times before considering its disposal into waste. There just might be the perfect use ahead for it!