Second Hand September, the annual drive to shun new purchases for the planet's sake, extends beyond fashion to offer a greener path for gardeners.
Instead of buying new, green-fingered enthusiasts are encouraged to seek out pre-loved gardening tools, pots, and vintage items.
Old furniture, too, can be repurposed as unique plant display stands or charming garden ornaments.
These readily available finds not only add character but crucially help reduce the amount of waste destined for landfill, fostering a more sustainable approach to horticulture.
“After the summer, people come back from holiday and there are a lot of changes. People start thinking about other things than gardening,” says garden influencer Anya Lautenbach (@anya_thegarden_fairy), author of The Money-Saving Gardener.
“They may be getting rid of a lot of pots, second-hand furniture and gardening equipment, whether they are moving house or just having a clear out, so there is a lot of stuff out there to find.”
Car boot sales
You might not only find a wealth of cheap plants which gardeners have lovingly nurtured but also second-hand pots, secateurs, mowers and ornaments that will double up as garden ephemera if you think outside the box.
Charity shops
You might find that pot, statue or bird feeder you were looking for in your local charity shop – and if it’s not on display, ask if they may have anything in the back which might fit the bill.
Reclamation yards and recycling centres
Ever considered that an old chimney pot might be repurposed into an eye-catching container? Or that an old Butler sink may be the perfect choice for an alpine display?
Alternatively you may be looking for a classic bird bath, statue or sundial, or just want some framed glass to make your own cold frame.
Have a browse through your local reclamation or recycling centre to find odds and ends which you could adapt to use in the garden, even if it’s just some bricks to stand your pots on or some decorative outdoor tiles.
Lautenbach notes that some recycling centres also have a ‘reuse shop’ which is worth browsing and that the money you pay often will go to a charity or a community project.
Online community spaces
Sites like Facebook Marketplace are great for second-hand gardening bargains, says Lautenbach, but you have to be pro-active.
“Go on Facebook Marketplace in your area and ask, ‘Is there anyone in my town who is getting rid of good quality pots?’
“When I go on Facebook Marketplace, I’ll ask, ‘Is anyone downsizing?’ If you find someone downsizing you get the first choice and quite often people are pleased that their items have found a new owner and they want a quick turnaround if they’re moving.”
You may be able to find what you want through Nextdoor and Preloved, although they are unlikely to be free. Vinted has an outdoor and garden section which might be a good second-hand source.
Lautenbach says that mid-autumn to winter is the best time to look, as come spring everyone will be seeking gardening equipment so you’ll be likely to pay more.
You could also reach out to your Whatsapp groups to ask if anyone has something you need and make them an offer. If you’re trying to get rid of particular items, also alert group members to that and take a picture so they can see what you are offering.
Your own home
It may not feel like it’s second-hand, but repurposing some of your own things is virtually the same thing if you were going to chuck it out otherwise.
“I’ve got this really lovely trunk that I grow cut flowers in. It’s like a treasure trove and you just need to think outside the box,” Lautenbach says.
Think of other items which you could repurpose for the garden – old wellies make quirky containers, or a ladder could double up as an interesting stand for a plant display. Do you have an old chair which could be used in the garden, either to sit on or as a plant stand, if you were to sand it down and apply waterproof paint to it?
“Even if items from your home won’t last in your garden for decades because they are not made for being outside, when they are nicely weathered they often have so much character to them,” Lautenbach adds.
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