12 Genius Gardening Hacks Every Expert Recommended!

🌱 DIY  12 BEST GARDENING HACKS FOR YOUR GARDEN & BENEFITS 🌟

1.Egg Shells:

Don’t throw away eggshells after cooking! Crush them and sprinkle them in your garden soil. The calcium in eggshells acts as a natural compost, promoting healthier plant growth.

You can also use eggshells as mini pots for seedlings. Once the saplings grow, plant them directly into the soil with the eggshell, which will decompose and enrich the soil.

Eggshells can be a beneficial addition to your garden as they are rich in calcium, which helps strengthen plant cell walls and supports overall growth. They can be crushed and added to the soil to improve aeration and drainage, or used as a natural pest deterrent. Benefits of Eggshells in the Garden

• Nutrient Source:
  • Eggshells are primarily composed of calcium carbonate, which is essential for plant health.
  • They provide other trace minerals that can enhance soil fertility.
• Soil Improvement:
  • Finely crushed eggshells can improve soil structure by creating small holes, which enhances aeration and drainage.
  • This is particularly beneficial in compacted soils, allowing roots to grow more freely.
• Pest Deterrent:
  • Crushed eggshells can act as a barrier against soft-bodied pests like slugs and snails, as they dislike crawling over the sharp edges.
• pH Balance:
  • Eggshells can help to neutralize acidic soils, making them more suitable for a wider variety of plants.

How to Use Eggshells in the Garden?

• Preparation:
  • Rinse the eggshells to remove any residue and let them dry.
  • Crush them into small pieces or grind them into a fine powder.
• Application:
  • Mix crushed eggshells into the soil before planting to enhance nutrient availability.
  • Sprinkle them around the base of plants as a protective barrier against pests.
  • Add them to compost piles to enrich the compost with calcium.

Incorporating eggshells into your gardening routine can lead to healthier plants and improved soil conditions.

2.Epsom Salt: Buy it Here:

Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, is commonly used in gardening to enhance plant growth and health. It can improve seed germination, promote lush foliage, increase flower production, and help prevent yellowing in plants by providing essential magnesium.

Benefits of Epsom Salt in Gardening:

• Nutrient Supply:
• Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur, which are vital for plant health.
• Magnesium aids in chlorophyll production, enhancing photosynthesis and overall plant vigor.
• Improved Growth:
  • Plants treated with Epsom salt tend to grow bushier and produce more flowers.
  • It can help pepper plants grow larger compared to those treated with standard fertilizers.
• Pest Deterrent:
  • Epsom salt can deter certain pests, contributing to healthier plants.
  • How to Use Epsom Salt in the Garden?

• For Houseplants:
  • Mix 2 tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water and feed monthly.
• For Roses:
  • Apply 1 tablespoon per foot of plant height every two weeks.
  • Scratch 1/2 cup into the soil at the base to encourage flowering and healthy growth.
• For Shrubs:
  • Use 1 tablespoon per 9 square feet, applying every 2-4 weeks over the root zone.
• For Lawns:
  • Apply 1.25kgs  for every 1,250 square feet using a spreader or dilute in water for spraying.
• For Trees:
  • Use 2 tablespoons per 9 square feet over the root zone three times a year.

Incorporating Epsom salt into your gardening practices can lead to healthier plants and improved yields.

3.Diapers to Retain Moisture in Potted Plants

How to Use Diapers in Gardening?

1. Choose the Right Diapers:
   • Use disposable diapers, as they contain superabsorbent polymers (SAP) that can hold a significant amount of water.
2. Prepare the Diapers:
   • Cut open the diaper to expose the absorbent material inside. You can use just the absorbent core or the entire diaper, depending on your preference.
3. Placement:
   • Place the absorbent material at the bottom of your planting hole or container. This will act as a reservoir for water.
   • Alternatively, you can mix the absorbent material into the soil to help retain moisture throughout the growing medium.
4. Planting:
   • Add your soil and plants on top of the diaper material. The SAP will help keep the soil moist by absorbing excess water and releasing it slowly to the roots of the plants.

Benefits of Using Diapers in Gardening

• Moisture Retention:
  • The superabsorbent polymers in diapers can hold several times their weight in water, helping to keep the soil consistently moist, which is especially beneficial in hot or dry conditions.
• Reduced Watering Frequency:
  • With improved moisture retention, you may find that you need to water your plants less frequently, saving time and water.
• Improved Plant Health:
  • Consistent moisture levels can lead to healthier plants, as they are less likely to experience stress from drought or overwatering.
• Cost-Effective:
  • If you have leftover or unused diapers, this method can be a cost-effective way to enhance your gardening efforts.

Considerations

• Biodegradability:
  • Keep in mind that disposable diapers are not biodegradable and can contribute to landfill waste. If you are concerned about environmental impact, consider using biodegradable alternatives or compostable materials.
• Chemical Concerns:
  • Some diapers contain chemicals and fragrances that may not be suitable for all types of gardening, especially if you are growing edible plants. If using diapers in a vegetable garden, consider using unbleached, fragrance-free options.

Using the diaper gardening trick can be a fun and effective way to improve moisture retention in your garden, making it easier to grow healthy plants.

4.Reusing Cooking Water:

Reusing cooking water for plants is an excellent way to conserve water and provide your plants with additional nutrients. Cooking water can contain minerals and nutrients that leach out of vegetables, pasta, or grains during the cooking process. Here are some tips and benefits of using cooking water in your garden:

Benefits of Using Cooking Water for Plants

1. Nutrient-Rich:
   • Cooking water from vegetables often contains vitamins and minerals that can benefit plants, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
2. Water Conservation:
   • Reusing cooking water helps reduce water waste, making it an eco-friendly practice.
3. Cost-Effective:
   • Utilizing water that would otherwise be discarded can save on your water bill.
4. Encourages Healthy Growth:
   • The nutrients in cooking water can promote healthier plant growth and improve soil quality.

How to Use Cooking Water for Plants?

1. Cool It Down:
   • Always allow the cooking water to cool to room temperature before using it on your plants. Hot water can damage plant roots.
2. Check for Salt and Seasonings:
   • Avoid using cooking water that contains excessive salt, oil, or other seasonings, as these can harm plants. Water from boiling plain vegetables or pasta is usually safe.
3. Dilution:
   • If the cooking water is concentrated (e.g., from boiling starchy foods), consider diluting it with plain water before applying it to your plants.
4. Application:
   • Use the cooking water to water your plants as you would with regular water. You can pour it directly onto the soil around the base of the plants.
5. Frequency:
   • You can use cooking water regularly, but it’s best to alternate with plain water to avoid any potential buildup of nutrients.

Types of Cooking Water to Use

• Vegetable Water: Water from boiling or steaming vegetables is often the best choice, as it contains nutrients without added salt or fats.
• Rice Water: The water left over from rinsing or cooking rice can also be beneficial, as it contains starch and some nutrients.

Cautions

• Avoid Contaminated Water: Do not use cooking water that has been used for foods that may harbor pathogens (e.g., raw meat).
• Monitor Plant Response: Keep an eye on your plants after using cooking water to ensure they respond positively. If you notice any adverse effects, discontinue use.

By reusing cooking water, you can provide your plants with additional nutrients while also practicing sustainable gardening.

5. Citrus Fruits as Seedling Pots

Use orange or lime peels as biodegradable pots for seeds. The citrus provides organic nutrients, while a small drainage hole at the bottom ensures proper water flow.

6. Grow Rose Stems in Potatoes

Plant rose stems in potatoes before transferring them to soil. Potatoes provide moisture and nutrients, encouraging the stems to root and grow into healthy plants.

7. Keep Pets Away with Plastic Forks:

Place plastic forks in the soil around your plants to deter pets from digging or trampling your garden. It’s a simple, pet-friendly way to protect your greens.

8. Coffee Filters to Prevent Soil Loss

Coffee filters aren’t just for brewing! Place them in the bottom of pots to prevent soil from leaking out during watering, keeping your plants healthy and your space clean.

9. DIY Compost at Home

Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap, 1 cup of table salt, and 1 liter of white vinegar to create an effective natural compost. Use it to enrich your garden soil.

10. Soda Bottles for Slow Watering

Make small holes in the bottom of plastic soda bottles, fill them with water, and bury them near plant roots. This ensures consistent moisture without overwatering.

11. Pots in Pots for Easy Shifting

Place smaller pots inside larger ones. This makes it easy to move plants around if they aren’t thriving in their current location.

12. Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

Add a small amount of baking soda to the water when watering your tomato plants. It reduces acidity in the soil, resulting in sweeter and juicier tomatoes.