There are hundreds of ways to use our little brown gable boxes without having to discard them in the trash. Here are our “Top 10” practical tips:
1. Gift packaging for your baked goods. For instance, after making cookies, muffins, scones - you name it - from one of our mixes, use wax paper, cellophane, foil, or a sealable bag to line the box and place the baked goods inside. Close the box, affix a bow and label on the top, and give as a home-made treat for special occasions and holidays. If you wish to decorate the box, such as with paper, pictures, painting, sketches, and stickers, you can remove our retail labels from the box by tracing the front and back label with a sharp object, and peel the label away from the traced edge.
2. Winterizing garden bulbs and seeds. Store flower bulbs, seeds and other winter-storage garden items. Be sure to follow the suggestions for winterizing according to the bulb or seed species. For instance, the container will allow seeds or bulbs to breath, while keeping them in a dark place, but storage climate requirements, such as temperature and moisture, can vary among plant species.
3. Plant seedling starter. Close the box, remove the back label and turn box on its side, with the back labeled-side down. Cut out the front label and use this opening to place soil in the box. Plant seeds in the soil. Place box(es) on a tray or in a saucer and provide proper sunlight and water as required for the seed type. Once the seedlings begin to sprout and are ready for planting in the garden, you can either transplant each seedling by carefully removing each from the box, or, if the seedlings are properly thinned, you can place the whole box as-is in the ground where you wish your plant(s) to grow. If you choose to plant the whole box, try to keep the soil line of the seedlings just “a hair” below the garden's existing soil line. Carefully place extra soil around the seedlings and over any exposed area of the box, in order to further protect the seedlings and hide the box from view. The container will disintegrate into the soil over time.
4. Protect garden bulbs when planting. The boxes can provide short-term protection for garden bulbs from digging critters (i.e., squirrels, rodents) during the dormant and early growth stages. Simply remove the labels and place the box on its side (as described in tip #3). Cut small openings (holes) in the box where you wish the bulb seedlings to sprout; the holes should be about the size of the bulb. Place soil in the box and place the bulbs in the area where you have cut small openings. Carefully Place the box in the soil at the appropriate depth for the type of bulb being planted and cover the box with soil. Squirrels, mice, insects and other pests that nibble on bulbs are often deterred by the parameters of the box and move on. The container will disintegrate into the soil over time but should last long enough to protect the bulbs until they begin to bloom.
5. Dry Herbs. Place herbs loosely in the box, with enough room to allow air to circulate, enabling the herb to dry. Store as-is in a dry place.
6. Storage for small household items. Perfect for items such as large nails, nuts & bolts, and desk and craft accessories, such as crayons, buttons, and material scraps.
7. Creative art projects. Ideal structure for unique art projects as well as children's crafts.
8. Money collection bank. Simply cut a slit (that is large enough to accommodate coins and bills) into the front gable top and start saving!
9. Travel organization and protection when placed in luggage. When packing, use these to separate and provide additional protection for more delicate items. Items placed in the box will also have a little more protection from rough handling and shifting. The boxes can be easily unfolded when not in use to save space.
10. Compost. Remove the labels and add to your compost pile - it's easily biodegradable. If composting is not an option where you are located, set box aside for recycling.
