Fix Soil Moisture Retention With A Toilet Paper Tube Hack

Keeping soil moist without overwatering can be a tricky feat when it comes to gardening, and sometimes, a busy schedule might prevent you from watering your potted plants enough. One simple way to combat drying out plants has been hiding in your bathroom this whole time, toilet paper tubes. These simple cardboard tubes can actually help regulate moisture in soil. Not only will the absorbent cardboard hold onto water for plants, it'll also break down naturally over time, creating the perfect biodegradable additive to your garden.

The science behind this hack lies in the cardboard's natural properties. Toilet paper rolls will absorb or release moisture based on their current environment. When placed inside soil, the tubes act like tiny sponges, soaking up excess moisture and eventually releasing it as the soil dries. Whether you have an established garden with plants that are already bustling or you are just getting started, there are many functional ways to reuse toilet paper cardboard tubes.

The best part of the toilet paper tube hack is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Unlike store-bought moisture solutions like water-storing crystals or mulch mats, these cardboard tubes are most likely already available in your house. Since they break down naturally, there is no waste to bother with, and the tubes will eventually act as a mini-compost for young plants. If you're starting seeds indoors or transplanting seedlings outside, the tubes help prevent moisture fluctuations, as both under and overwatering can stress young roots. Another advantage to burying the cardboard tubes in your garden is that it attracts earthworms, which also improves water retention and soil quality.

There are a few drawbacks to consider when using toilet paper tubes in your garden. Cardboard does break down faster in very wet conditions, which means it may not be as effective or last as long in rainy climates. Some gardeners also worry about glue residues in recycled tubes, but most modern toilet paper brands use nontoxic adhesives. However, there are studies that have found traces of harmful PFAS leftover from manufacturing in some of the actual toilet paper. Additionally, while the tubes provide a nice base for water retention, they can't completely replace the best types of mulch for a healthy garden.