How to reuse old pillows in the garden – 5 ways to repurpose a pillow that's past its best

If you've recently invested in new bedding then you may be pondering how to reuse your old pillows, and the good news is that you can do so in the garden!

Sadly, even the best pillows don't last forever, but as long as you make sure you're using the right pillow for the right purpose – the filling inside your pillow is key to these budget garden ideas – you can give your old pillow a new lease of life in the garden.

That's right, just as you have to take some time doing your research on how to reuse an old mattress in the garden, the same is true of pillows. But don't worry, along with some gardening and DIY experts, I'm here to explain all.

How to reuse old pillows in the garden

You might find it difficult to believe that an old pillow can be the secret to bringing some of your favourite garden ideas to life, but you'd be wrong.

There are plenty of genius ways to reuse old pillows in the garden – so long as you're willing to embrace a little out-of-the-box thinking!

From insulation to fun upcycling ideas for the garden, here's how to put your pillow to work in the great outdoors...

1. Make outdoor cushions for your outdoor furniture

Even the very best garden furniture can use a little accessorising – especially if doing so can ramp up its comfort levels!

'You can reuse old pillows in the garden by upcycling them into new or additional fillers for your outdoor pillows and cushions and floor cushions,' says Hana Leonard from Secret of the Garden, who showcased the beauty of recycled materials in her award-winning RHS Hampton Court Show Garden.

The joy of this hack is that you can use virtually any pillow-filling, just make sure that you bring your cushions indoors if the weather turns so that they don't get damp. 'Alternatively, you can just add or make a new waterproof or water-repellent covers for your old pillows, and voila! Out they go,' suggests Hana.

2. Create a kneeling pad

A kneeling pad is an essential if you're a keen gardener. It will protect your knees whilst you're spending long hours planting or weeding. You'll be pleased to learn, then, that you can transform an old pillow into a kneeler to save money and recycle.

'If you cover them with waterproof, UV-resistant fabric, you can transform old pillows into kneeling pads,' says Hana. You could even just pop a pillow into a waterproof plastic bag to protect your knees from stones and gravel whilst you're gardening.

This is an especially good use if you have one of the best memory foam pillows that has now seen better days, as memory foam will mould around your knees for the utmost comfort.

3. Use as insulation

If you want to elevate your greenhouse or summer house ideas, don't throw out your old pillows!

'You can use the pillow stuffing as insulation between your summer house or studio’s external and internal walls,' says Hana.

'Alternatively, you can use them as insulation/cover around plants in your greenhouse – which is a must for anyone hoping to protect your plants from frost.'

4. Boost your rain harvesting abilities

Rain harvesting is one of the most important hacks any gardener can master, and an old pillow can be reused in the garden as a water conservation aid.

Pillows filled with absorbent materials – like wool – can be placed in the bottom of planters beneath the layer of soil to help retain water, which is especially useful in dryer climates or during hot spells.

'Incorporating absorbent materials from old pillows into your planters is a smart move for water conservation,' says James. 'It's a practical solution that underscores the importance of sustainability in gardening practices. Every drop saved counts!'

5. Enrich the soil

This one takes a little more care, as it's very important you only use pillows filled with biodegradable natural materials such as feather and down or wool. But, Steven Bell, the CEO of Paving Shopper, says that natural pillow fillings can also be used as soil enrichment.

'Tearing open your old wool pillows and mixing their natural fillings into your garden borders and raised beds can significantly enhance soil quality,' says Steven. 'Just make absolutely sure the material is free from any synthetic fibers, which won't break down in the soil,' he warns.

So definitely no polyester, microfibre, hollowfibre, or memory foam pillow fillings for this one as they can harm the environment. However, if you're blessed with a biodegradable wool-filled pillow, good news, because soil enrichment is one of the most important things you can do to improve the health of your garden.

FAQs

What is the best thing to do with old pillows?

If your pillows are still in good nick but you're just not finding them comfortable, you may be able to donate them to your local homeless shelter to be reused or you could try listing them for free on a selling site such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree.

Old, used bedding that's past its best can be trickier to dispose of. However, just like when it comes to what to do with old duvets, there are solutions.

If you don't fancy getting crafty and repurposing your pillows in the garden as outdoor cushions, insulation, or kneeling mats, you could consider donating your old bedding to an animal shelter, like your local RSPCA dog shelter, or taking it to a textile recycling scheme.

So, have any of these easy garden ideas inspired you to reuse your old pillows in the great outdoors? If so let us know in the comments!