How to Recycle a Garden Hose

When it's time to buy a new garden hose, what becomes of the old one? Here are some ideas for putting that retired tool to work.

Instructions

1. Stabilize a young tree by tying it to a stake with a short length of old garden hose. The hose will bend when the tree does and won't damage the bark of the young tree as it grows.

2. Rid your garden of earwigs. Cut an old hose into 12-inch lengths. Make sure the inside is completely dry, and then place the pieces of hose wherever you've seen the earwigs crawling. Leave them overnight. By morning, the hose sections should be filled with earwigs and ready for disposal.

3. Make a grip for a paint can. Cut a short length of hose and slit it lengthwise. Slip over the wire handle of a paint can for a firmer, more comfortable grip.

4. Attach a funnel to either end of a length of garden hose and make a play phone for young children. The kids can talk as long as they want and not worry about using up your minutes.

5. Cover the chains on your swings. Slide a length of hose down the chain to protect little hands from pinches and twists. You also can slit a length of garden hose and slip it over the chain.

6. Protect your blades. Keep handsaw blades sharp and safe by covering them with a length of old garden hose. Just slit the hose lengthwise and slip it over the blade. Do the same for the blades on your ice skates.

7. Make a sander for curved surfaces like cove molding. Split open a 10-inch length of hose and insert it on the edge of a piece of sandpaper. Wrap it around the hose, cut to fit and then insert the other edge into the slit. Close the slit with a small piece of duct tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a hose with a lifetime warranty. All quality hoses have one.