Before you throw away or recycle any packaging, think if it could be used to grow something in.

Old packaging can look very attractive, and can also be themed. For example, a tomato soup tin could be used to grow tomato seedlings.

To make drainage holes in the bottom of a plastic container, get something sharp like a screwdriver or skewer, heat it up on a stove, and poke it through.

To make holes in a card container, use the tip of a sharp knife to make small triangular holes in the bottom.

Plastic boxes used to package soft fruit usually have ventilation holes in the lids, so put one inside the bottom part of the box to make a seed tray with built-in drainage.

Small clear plastic bags used to bag fruit – use these to cover homemade seed trays or pots. It will keep heat and moisture in, making a mini-greenhouse.

Two-litre drinks bottles – cut these in half, and the bottom can be used as a plant pot, while the top can be used as a cloche for individual plants (indoors or out), again creating a mini-greenhouse).

Bigger five-litre water bottles – cut the bottom off to make a bigger cloche as an alternative to expensive glass bell jars.

Tetra Pak containers from milk or fresh soups – make plant pots by cutting off the tops and poking drainage holes.

Yoghurt pots – turn them into plant pots, or cut larger ones into strips to make plant labels. Write on them with a permanent pen.

Take-away containers, plastic meat trays or ice cream tubs – use them to stand pots in so excess water doesn't make a mess.

Card egg boxes – stand potatoes in them to chit before planting, or sow a seed in each individual cell. The box can be cut up and each cell planted directly into the ground, without disturbing the seedling.