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100 Best Gardening Hacks Compilation
This compilation of 100 DIY gardening hacks is perfect for both beginners and experts. These tips are so useful they could change the way you garden forever. This all-in-one collection features the best garden hacks for 2018. Please watch the VIDEO demonstrating these gardening tricks. Let’s get started!
Examine and Diagnose Plant Pests
Use a magnifying glass to closely examine and diagnose plant pests and insects. Identify them and follow appropriate treatment methods.
Create a No-Stick Garden Tool
Spray paint your garden shovel or other tools to protect them from rust and keep them clean.
Lighten the Weight of Your Pot
Use pieces of packaging foam or thermocol at the bottom layer of the container and mix with cocopeat or peat moss and perlite to reduce the weight of the pot.
Protect Plants During Transport
Use your home aluminum ladder like a Batla to transport plants. Place your pots tightly in the ladder compartments for secure transport.
Treat Iron Deficiency in Plants
If you notice iron chlorosis (pale leaves), bury iron nails or iron pieces around the plant to address iron deficiency.
Help Root Bound Plants
Perform root pruning or repotting in larger pots to help root-bound plants.
Use Markers for Plants
Candy sticks, larger pebbles, or broken pot pieces can serve as markers for your plants and seedlings.
Reuse Permanent Markers
Erase permanent marker markings with rubbing alcohol to reuse the markers.
Make a Plastic Bottle Slow Water Feeder
Create a slow water feeder by making small holes in a cork, inverting the bottom of a plastic bottle, and inserting it into the soil.
Test Soil pH
Check soil pH by adding vinegar to one soil sample (bubbles indicate alkaline soil) and baking soda to another (bubbles indicate acidic soil).
Use Egg Shells for Calcium
Crumple or powder egg shells and sprinkle around your plants to provide calcium and repel insects like slugs and snails.
Grow Sweeter Tomatoes
Sprinkle baking soda around your tomato plants to counteract soil acidity and enhance sweetness.
Use Seed Starting Containers
Plant seeds in eggshells, citrus rinds, or paper coffee cups. You can plant the entire shell or container into the soil.
Create Biodegradable Seedling Cups
Use tissue paper cardboard rolls to make seedling cups that can be planted directly into the soil.
Build a Garden Trellis
Construct a garden trellis using PVC pipes, wooden sticks, or bamboo sticks.
Collect Rainwater
Install a rainwater collection system or use rainwater flowing from your terrace for watering plants.
Use Plastic Bins as Mini Greenhouses
Plastic bins or containers can be used as mini greenhouses for faster seed germination.
Control Slugs and Snails
Sprinkle Epsom salt or baking soda directly on slugs and snails to kill them. Rearing chickens to feed on insects is another option.
Protect Plants from Frost
Cover plants at night with an empty pot or a plastic shopping bag to protect them from frost.
Reuse Pencil Shavings
Use pencil shavings as mulch to prevent weed growth and repel insects.
Remove Over-Ripe Vegetables
Remove over-ripe vegetables promptly to avoid attracting pests.
Repel Insects with Companion Plants
Grow garlic, onions, chives, and chrysanthemums around your garden to repel insects.
Speed Up Composting
Add used tea waste or coffee grounds to your compost bin for faster composting and improved soil.
Use Tea Waste as Fertilizer
Apply tea waste or coffee grounds to flowering plants as an organic fertilizer to boost blooms.
Combat Plant Diseases
Use neem cake bio mix in soil to combat plant diseases and nourish plants.
Seal Plant Cuts
Seal injured plant stems or cuttings with wax from a burning candle to prevent moisture loss and microbial infections.
Water Seeds and Seedlings Properly
Use a tray under pots to water seeds and seedlings, allowing them to absorb water through drainage holes without displacement.
Transplant Seedlings Carefully
Use a spoon to dig out seedlings with soil and hold the leaves, not the stem, to avoid damage.
Scrape Hard Seed Covers
Use sandpaper to scrape the hard seed covers of certain seeds for faster germination.
Recycle Plastic Bottles
Make simple planters or self-watering pots from plastic bottles. Decorate or spray paint as desired.
Make a Seedling Watering Can
Create a watering can by heating the cap of a bottle to make a nozzle, or by making tiny holes for a shower effect.
Mark Garden Gloves
Mark your garden gloves with inches or centimeters to plant seeds or seedlings evenly.
Check Seed Health
Examine seeds for health based on packaging date and appearance. Healthy seeds will sink in water.
Test Seed Germination
Use the toilet paper method: sprinkle seeds on a moist layer of toilet paper, cover with another layer, and check for sprouts.
Protect Seedlings
Use cut plastic bottles to protect seedlings from wind and animals.
Create a Seedling Funnel
Cut a plastic bottle to make a funnel for transferring seeds or potting mix.
Use Old Forks for Protection
Bury old forks around seedlings to protect them from animals.
Label Your Plants
Always label your plants and seeds to avoid confusion. Use pop sticks, plastic strips, or other materials.
Pick Small Seeds with a Toothpick
Use a toothpick dipped in water to pick small seeds for sowing.
Space Tiny Seeds Evenly
Spread tiny seeds on toilet paper for better visibility and even spacing.
Soak Seeds Before Sowing
Soak seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before sowing, especially beans, peas, and okra.
Use Epsom Salt for Seed Soaking
Soak seeds in an Epsom salt solution (1 teaspoon in 100 ml water) for faster germination and healthier seedlings.
Make a Trowel from a Bottle
Cut a plastic bottle to create a trowel for gardening.
Use Egg Trays for Seed Germination
Egg trays can be used as seed germination trays. Make drainage holes in cardboard or plastic trays.
Create Biodegradable Seed Starting Cups
Use tissue paper rolls or newspaper to make biodegradable seed starting cups that can be planted directly into the soil.
Make Mini Greenhouses from Containers
Use small kitchen containers as mini greenhouses to speed up seed germination.
Store Leftover Seeds
Use small containers like tic tac boxes to store leftover seeds.
Use Garden Planner Software
For professional vegetable gardening, consider using garden planner software like GrowVeg.
Harden Off Seedlings
Gradually introduce seedlings to sunlight to acclimate them, starting with 1 hour a day and increasing exposure over time.
Use a Seedling Heat Mat
A seedling heat mat or high-watt bulb can create a warm environment to speed up seed germination.
Clean Hands with Soap
Scrape nails into soap before gardening to make hand cleaning easier and prevent dirt from entering nail beds.
Create a Cello Tape Trap
Wrap cello tape in reverse on your fingers and use the sticky side to remove pests from leaves.
Fertilize with Aquarium Water
Use dirty aquarium water as a fertilizer. It contains helpful bacteria and nutrients.
Fertilize with Cooking Water
Use cooled water from boiling or steaming vegetables to water plants, providing essential nutrients.
Sharpen Garden Tools
Mix mineral oil with sand and insert your tools after use to keep them sharp and rust-free.
Protect Seeds from Rot
Sprinkle fine cinnamon powder on seeds and seedlings to prevent rot.
Boost Acid-Loving Plants
Use alum (5 gm in 500 ml water) every 10 days to boost growth and flowering of acid-loving plants like azaleas and roses.
Remove Clay-Rich Soil
Soak the root ball of clay-rich soil in water to dissolve it, then repot in well-draining soil.
Water Newly Repotted Plants
Water newly repotted plants with an Epsom salt solution (1 teaspoon in 1 liter of water) to reduce transplant shock.
Loosen Roots During Repotting
Free up or loosen roots at the bottom and sides of the root ball during repotting.
Use a Cloth for Heavy Items
Drag heavy items like potting soil bags using a tablecloth or large bedsheet.
Deter Rodents and Animals
Mix 1½ teaspoons of chili powder with 1 liter of water, add crushed garlic, onions, and dish soap, and spray to deter rodents and animals.
Repel Animals with Vinegar
Soak cloth pieces in vinegar and place them around your garden to repel animals like cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Promote Plant Growth and Blooms
Pinch stems, deadhead flowers, and prune plants to encourage branching and blooming.
Use Natural Rooting Hormones
If you lack chemical rooting powder, use honey, cinnamon powder, fresh aloe vera gel, or saliva on cuttings for rooting.
Discover a Free Seed Germination Station
Place seed trays on top of your refrigerator to use the heat for faster germination.
Store Seeds in Photo Album Sleeves
Organize leftover seeds in the sleeves of an old photo album.
Check Seed Viability
Test seed viability by placing seeds in a bowl of water. Floating seeds are not viable; use sinking seeds.
Use Silica Gel for Seed Storage
Place silica gel packets in seed storage containers to protect seeds from moisture and fungus.
Preserve Powdered Gardening Products
Attach silica gel packets to container lids to keep powdered gardening products dry.
Use Hydrogen Peroxide for Germination
Spray seeds with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution (5 ml in 1 liter of water) to speed up germination and improve root systems.
Create a Humidity Tray
Use small pebbles in a tray with water to maintain humidity around your plants.
Substitute for Perlite
Mix sawdust or rice husks with soil to improve drainage and aeration if you don’t have perlite.
Collect and Reuse Plant Containers
Save and reuse plant containers and pots for future gardening projects.
Grow on a Budget
Use discarded plastic containers and old trays for gardening, as they are often free or inexpensive.
Use Old Pantyhose for Garden Tie
Use old pantyhose cut into strips for tying plants, as they are flexible and durable.
Utilize Broken Pot Pieces
Use broken pot pieces for drainage at the bottom of new pots.
Fertilize with Tea Bags
Use used tea bags as a slow-release fertilizer for your plants.
Harvest and Store Seeds
Harvest seeds when the pods or fruits are dry. Store them in cool, dry places in airtight containers.
Prevent Seed Rot with Cinnamon
Sprinkle cinnamon powder on seeds or soil to prevent fungal diseases and rot.
Prepare Your Garden Beds
Use a garden fork or tiller to prepare garden beds and mix organic compost into the soil.
Practice Mulching
Apply mulch around plants to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Make Your Own Potting Mix
Combine equal parts peat moss, compost, and perlite to create a versatile potting mix.
Utilize Companion Planting
Grow plants together that benefit each other by repelling pests or enhancing growth.
Maintain Your Garden Tools
Clean and oil garden tools regularly to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan.
Use Garden Compost
Create your own compost from kitchen scraps and garden waste to enrich the soil and improve plant growth.
Repurpose Garden Materials
Repurpose old items like pallets, crates, and barrels into garden planters and raised beds.
Use Organic Pesticides
Opt for organic pesticides like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manage pests without harming beneficial insects.
Rotate Your Crops
Practice crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and reduce the risk of plant diseases.
Plan Your Garden Layout
Sketch a garden plan to maximize space and ensure a balanced mix of plants and vegetables.
Use Water-Saving Techniques
Implement water-saving techniques like drip irrigation or rain barrels to conserve water and maintain healthy plants.
Research Plant Varieties
Choose plant varieties suited to your climate and soil conditions for optimal growth and productivity.
Keep a Garden Journal
Maintain a garden journal to track plant growth, harvest dates, and gardening successes or challenges.
Involve the Family
Get the whole family involved in gardening activities to make it a fun and educational experience for everyone.
This compilation of 100 best gardening hacks will help you make the most out of your gardening efforts. Whether you’re looking for ways to simplify your tasks or improve your plant’s health, these tips and tricks will guide you to success. Enjoy your gardening adventures!
Watch the video demonstration of these Original 100 best gardening hacks and Tricks:
1 comment
I like your contents and is very informative.
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