The Simple Things

Taking time to live well
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Taking Time to Live Well

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Illustration: Kavel Rafferty

Illustration: Kavel Rafferty

Make: an upcycled hanging tomato planter

Iona Bower March 31, 2019

Repurpose a plastic bottle and have tomatoes hanging around all summer

This simple project can be done in an hour and you’ll have cherry tomatoes dangling temptingly by the back door ready for salads all summer long. We recommend you make lots and hang them together in bunches. Green plastic bottles look most attractive if you have them but any will do.

You will need:

Used plastic bottles, between two and four litres

Cherry tomato plant seedlings

Masking tape

Hole punch

Knife

Strong twine

Soil

1 Clean your plastic bottles, removing any labels. Carefully cut away the bottom of the bottle.

2 Seal over the jagged edge with masking tape; then, using the hole punch, make four holes in the tape, one on each side of the bottle.

3 With the mouth of the bottle facing down, insert your tomato seedling and carefully work the plant into the mouth. Then spread the root ball out inside the bottle.

4 Fill the bottle three-quarters full with compost.

5 Thread your twine through the holes and tie securely together.

6 Hang somewhere sunny and water really regularly.

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More from our April issue…

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Game: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Puzzler
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More garden hacks…

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Mar 31, 2019
Make: an upcycled hanging tomato planter
Mar 31, 2019
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Sep 27, 2018
Home hacks | Make a terracotta heater
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Garden hacks | Make a self-watering herb garden
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In Making Tags issue 82, April, makes, Make project, garden hacks, recycling
Comment
fashionconscience.jpg

Seriously stylish, seriously ethical

Future Admin May 23, 2013

Fashion-Conscience is an online store selling the best in Fair Trade, organic, sustainable, recycled, up-cycled and vegan clothing, accessories and gifts. From well known brands to small independent brands all showing us it's stylish to be green. And best of all, they're giving us 15% off until 31st May if you use the code: SIMPLE at the checkout. A great excuse to treat yourself over the bank holiday!

* Terms and Conditions:

To claim your 15% off please use code SIMPLE at the checkout. 15% off only valid on full priced purchases. Offer does not include delivery charges. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer/s. Valid until and including 31st May 2013

In Uncategorized Tags accessories, exclusive, Fair Trade, fashion, gifts, home, offer, recycling, sustainable, Vegan
Comment

Winter activities: When things are too good to recycle, pass them on!

thesimplethings February 3, 2013

A great idea for when you're having a declutter or Spring clean and find things that are just too good to throw away or if the local charity / thrift shop is closed...

Read More
In Living Tags charity, home, recycling, spring, upcycling, winter
Comment

Winter activities: A Welsh beachcombing adventure...

thesimplethings January 27, 2013

Our Blowy Walks on Winter Beaches feature in Issue 6 gives you lots of ideas about what to look for by the surf, even in the coldest weather – take a sneaky peek at it here, and enjoy this special photo story from our friend Lizzie Spikes...

Read More
In Escaping Tags painting, printmaking, recycling, sea, travel, wales, winter
1 Comment

Art from the sea: a Q&A with Lizzie of Driftwood Designs...

thesimplethings January 26, 2013

The art of Lizzie Spikes is inspired by the coast near her home in Ceredigion, Wales and uses the flotsam and jetsam that the sea rejects – you can almost smell the tang of the sand-filled air!

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In Making Tags beaches, painting, recycling, sea, travel, wales
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Melanie Porter: inspiringly crafty upcycled furniture

thesimplethings November 8, 2012

From designing knitwear for international fashion brands to hand-crafted, one-off and simply gorgeous pieces of recycled vintage furniture...

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In Making Tags furniture, knitting, recycling, upcycling, upholstery
1 Comment
Featured
  Buy ,  download  or  subscribe   See the sample of our latest issue  here   Buy a copy of our latest anthology:  A Year of Celebrations   Buy a copy of  Flourish 2 , our wellbeing bookazine  Listen to  our podcast  - Small Ways to Live Well
Feb 27, 2025
Feb 27, 2025

Buy, download or subscribe

See the sample of our latest issue here

Buy a copy of our latest anthology: A Year of Celebrations

Buy a copy of Flourish 2, our wellbeing bookazine

Listen to our podcast - Small Ways to Live Well

Feb 27, 2025
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The Simple Things is published by Iceberg Press

The Simple Things

Taking time to live well

We celebrate slowing down, enjoying what you have, making the most of where you live, enjoying the company of of friends and family, and feeding them well. We like to grow some of our own vegetables, visit local markets, rummage for vintage finds, and decorate our home with the plunder. We love being outdoors and enjoy the satisfaction that comes with a job well done.

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