Gardening is a journey of discovery, and along the way, we pick up tips and tricks that make the process easier and more enjoyable. Here are 75 little-known gardening hacks that seasoned gardeners wish they knew sooner:
- Eggshell Seed Starters: Use halved eggshells as seed starters. They provide nutrients and can be planted directly into the soil.
- Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants: Sprinkle coffee grounds around acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons to boost their growth.
- Epsom Salt for Tomatoes: Add Epsom salt to the soil around tomato plants to promote healthy growth and prevent blossom end rot.
- DIY Seed Tape: Make your own seed tape by mixing seeds with a paste made of flour and water and applying it to strips of toilet paper.
- Garlic Spray for Pests: Create a natural pest repellent by steeping garlic cloves in water and spraying the solution on plants.
- Cinnamon for Seedlings: Dust cinnamon on seedlings to prevent damping off disease.
- Vinegar Weed Killer: Use vinegar as a natural weed killer by spraying it directly on weeds.
- Soda Bottle Watering System: Create a self-watering system for plants by poking holes in the cap of a soda bottle and burying it next to the plant.
- Banana Peel Fertilizer: Bury banana peels in the soil around plants to provide them with potassium and other nutrients.
- Cooking Water for Plants: Use cooled cooking water (without salt) to water plants and give them a nutrient boost.
- DIY Plant Labels: Make plant labels using old wine corks with the name of the plant written on them.
- Soap for Aphids: Mix liquid soap with water and spray it on plants to control aphids.
- Aluminum Foil Mulch: Use aluminum foil as a mulch to reflect sunlight onto plants and deter pests.
- DIY Compost Bin: Create a compost bin using a large plastic container with holes drilled in the sides for aeration.
- Tinfoil Collars: Wrap tinfoil around the base of seedlings to deter pests like cutworms.
- Nail Polish on Tools: Paint the handles of garden tools with bright nail polish to make them easier to spot in the garden.
- Vaseline for Slug Control: Apply Vaseline around the rims of pots to prevent slugs from climbing in.
- Baking Soda for Powdery Mildew: Mix baking soda with water and spray it on plants to control powdery mildew.
- Netting for Bird Protection: Cover fruit trees with netting to protect them from birds.
- Hair as Deer Repellent: Scatter human hair around the garden to deter deer from eating plants.
These are just a few of the many gardening hacks that can make your gardening experience more efficient and enjoyable. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and your garden!
