How to Use Old Tires in a Garden

Recycling old tires not only benefits the environment, but it also enhances gardening endeavors. Garden containers made from old tires can keep the soil warmer, allowing for earlier planting in cold climates. You can create your own garden projects made from recycled tires or buy recycled-rubber products.

Instructions

1. Understand that the small amount of heavy metals in tires are not considered hazardous or capable of leaching into soil. Additionally, the zinc contained in tires can be beneficial to plants.

2. Find worn-out tires for garden projects to help keep them out of a landfill. If you don't have any old tires stashed away, a tire shop or service station may give you tires free of charge.

3. Create a garden planter. Clean an old tire and fill the center with soil to use it as a planter. Tires with or without rims are suitable for garden planters.

4. Buy a sprinkler hose made of recycled tires. As much as 65 percent of the hose can be made from recycled rubber, and the pin holes running along such hoses allow for efficient watering of gardens.

5. Look for mulch made from recycled tires. Old tires formed into tree rings and border mulch can help prevent the growth of weeds; however, water and nutrients can still pass through the rubber mulch.

6. Consider buying colored gardening mulch made from recycled rubber products. Manufacturers say such mulch resists fading and decomposition and that it's nontoxic.