Gardening is both an art and a science. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, there are always new tricks to learn that can make your gardening experience easier, more productive, and even more enjoyable. These 20 top gardening hacks have been used for generations to help plants thrive, reduce waste, and save time and money.
From using eggshells as fertilizer to growing plants from kitchen scraps, this list will revolutionize the way you take care of your garden. Let’s dive into the best gardening tricks you’ll wish you had known sooner!
1. Eggshells as Fertilizer
Eggshells are packed with calcium, which is essential for healthy plant growth. Instead of throwing them away, crush them and mix them into the soil or add them to your compost bin.
How to Use:
- Rinse and dry eggshells.
- Crush them into small pieces and sprinkle them around plants.
- Mix them into the soil to prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.
2. Coffee Grounds to Enrich Soil
Used coffee grounds add nitrogen, improve soil structure, and attract beneficial earthworms.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle around plants to boost nutrients.
- Mix with compost for organic matter enrichment.
- Use as mulch for acid-loving plants like blueberries and roses.
3. Vinegar to Kill Weeds
White vinegar is a natural weed killer that works wonders without using harsh chemicals.
How to Use:
- Fill a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar.
- Spray directly on weeds during a sunny day.
- Avoid contact with desired plants.
4. Kitchen Scraps to Grow New Plants
Many vegetables and herbs can regrow from scraps, saving money and reducing waste.
How to Use:
- Place onion roots, celery bases, lettuce, or carrot tops in water until they sprout.
- Transplant them into soil once they develop roots.
5. Epsom Salt for Plant Growth
Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur, promoting better seed germination, stronger plants, and greener leaves.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon with a gallon of water.
- Use once a month as a foliar spray or soil drench.
6. Banana Peels for Fertilizer
Banana peels decompose quickly and provide potassium and phosphorus for flowering and fruiting plants.
How to Use:
- Bury peels near plant roots.
- Blend into compost for a nutrient boost.
7. DIY Self-Watering System with Bottles
Going on vacation? Keep plants hydrated with a DIY self-watering bottle system.
How to Use:
- Fill a plastic bottle with water.
- Poke small holes in the cap and invert into the soil.
- Water slowly seeps out, keeping soil moist.
8. Cinnamon as a Natural Fungicide
Cinnamon prevents fungal diseases and deters pests like ants and gnats.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle cinnamon on soil or plant wounds.
- Use around seedlings to prevent damping-off disease.
9. Newspaper as Mulch
Layering newspapers suppresses weeds and retains soil moisture.
How to Use:
- Lay newspapers around plants.
- Cover with mulch to block weeds and conserve water.
10. Companion Planting for Pest Control
Planting certain crops together naturally deters pests and enhances growth.
Examples:
- Tomatoes & Basil – Repels aphids.
- Carrots & Onions – Prevents carrot flies.
- Marigolds & Vegetables – Keeps nematodes and insects away.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide for Root Health
Hydrogen peroxide oxygenates soil, killing harmful bacteria and fungi.
How to Use:
- Mix 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
- Use as a soil drench for root rot prevention.
12. Soap to Keep Deer & Pests Away
Strong-smelling soap repels deer and rabbits from eating garden plants.
How to Use:
- Hang soap bars from stakes near plants.
- Grate soap and sprinkle around the garden.
13. Grow Tomatoes in a Hanging Basket
Growing tomatoes upside down saves space and prevents soil-borne diseases.
How to Use:
- Cut a hole in the bottom of a hanging basket.
- Insert tomato plant roots first.
- Fill with soil and hang in a sunny area.
14. Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes
Baking soda lowers soil acidity, making tomatoes sweeter.
How to Use:
- Sprinkle a small amount around the base of tomato plants.
15. Beer Traps for Slugs & Snails
Slugs and snails love beer and will crawl into a shallow dish and drown.
How to Use:
- Place shallow dishes filled with beer around your garden.
- Check and empty regularly.
16. Aloe Vera for Plant Cuttings
Aloe vera gel promotes faster root growth in plant cuttings.
How to Use:
- Dip cuttings in aloe gel before planting.
17. Aspirin Water for Disease Prevention
Aspirin boosts plant immunity against diseases.
How to Use:
- Dissolve one aspirin in a gallon of water.
- Use as a foliar spray or watering solution.
18. Reuse Water from Cooking
Water from boiled vegetables contains nutrients that can feed plants.
How to Use:
- Let the water cool and use it to water plants.
19. Use Old Sponges to Retain Soil Moisture
Sponges help soil retain moisture and prevent root rot.
How to Use:
- Place sponges at the bottom of pots before adding soil.
20. Grow Strawberries in a Vertical Planter
A vertical planter saves space and keeps strawberries off the ground.
How to Use:
- Use a stacked container or hanging planter.
- Plant strawberries in pockets for easy harvesting.
Conclusion
These 20 top gardening hacks will transform your gardening routine, making it easier, more efficient, and even more fun. From using household scraps as fertilizer to creating DIY watering systems, these simple yet effective tips will help you grow a healthier and more bountiful garden.
Try a few of these hacks today, and watch your plants thrive like never before!
