A gardening expert has urged households to save their empty toilet roll tubes this October, revealing five practical ways to use the humble cardboard cylinders in the garden. TikTok creator Ish (@gardening.with.ish) explained that the tubes have far more applications than most people realise, from nurturing seeds to protecting plants from winter frost.
Five ways to use loo roll tubes in the garden
Ish's first suggestion is to use the tubes as biodegradable seedling pots. Because the cardboard is thin, seeds can be started inside the tubes and, after three or four weeks, the entire cylinder can be planted directly into the ground. The cardboard naturally decomposes, allowing repotting without disturbing delicate roots.
Ripped-up cardboard also makes a carbon-rich addition to a homemade compost bin. Ish advised piling it down with layers of organic material, noting that "the worms absolutely love this stuff" and that it quickly breaks down into high-quality compost.
Weed barriers and pest control
Cutting the tubes open and laying them flat across the soil creates an effective weed membrane. The cardboard smothers invasive weeds before slowly biodegrading into the earth, making it particularly useful when establishing new garden beds.
Placing an intact tube over a delicate seedling forms a protective collar that physically blocks slugs and snails while encouraging young stems to grow straight up.
Thermal protection for winter
With winter approaching, Ish highlighted that layering flattened cardboard across soil creates a thermal blanket, helping to insulate vulnerable roots against incoming frosts.
Since it was posted, Ish's video has garnered more than 350 likes. One commenter wrote: "I always use these for seedlings. I also use egg cartons." Another added: "I've put my sweet peas in loo rolls for the last few years, and I leave them in the greenhouse till early spring, then pot them on before planting out. Works perfectly. The loo rolls go mouldy, but who cares?"
