How to Use Popsicle Sticks in the Home and Garden

Popsicles are a cool refreshing treat during the hot summer months, but so carelessly the sticks are thrown into the garbage bin. The next time you enjoy a sweet delicious popsicle, save the stick, as they have many handy uses in the home and garden. From kids crafts to garden tools, popsicle sticks are too useful to be garbage.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Save your popsicle sticks and use them to mix putty, glue or pints of paint. You can also use the straight edge of a popsicle stick to help keep your paint lines even. Once you have finished your project, simply throw out the popsicle stick for easy cleanup and disposal.

2. Use popsicle sticks to mark your garden vegetables and flowers. Write the name of the plant and the date planted on the stick and stake it into the ground near the new seedling. Popsicle sticks work great in the garden, as they are more durable and resistant that your average plastic markers, and better yet, they are free.

3. Keep your kids occupied with popsicle stick crafts. Sticks can be used as the base for puppets, bookmarks or building blocks for popsicle stick boxes. The active mind's of children will find an infinite number of uses for these handy little sticks.

4. Apply putty and caulking to bathtubs, showers, windows and doors with a popsicle stick. The curved base of the stick is perfect for even spreading and will keep your hands clean. Dip the stick in cold water before using to keep the putty from sticking to the wood.

5. Shim the feet of wobbly furniture with a piece of popsicle stick. Cut the stick down the the size of the furniture base or foot and use wood glue to attach the shim to stop the wiggle.