15 Garden Hacks for an Instant Green Thumb
- Natural Weed Killer: Combine 1 cup of table salt, 1 tablespoon of dish soap, and 1 gallon of 30% strength vinegar. Spray directly onto weeds on sunny days, avoiding desired plants.
- Eggshell Fertilizer: Crush dried eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle them into plant pots to provide calcium and other beneficial minerals.
- DIY Plant Ties: Cut old t-shirts into strips to create soft, stretchy ties that support plants without damaging them.
- Soil Sifter: Use an old colander to sift soil, removing rocks and debris for a finer planting medium.
- Homemade Fertilizer: Collect and dry eggshells, grind them into a powder, and mix into soil to enrich it with calcium.
- Root Containment: Plant aggressive growers in pots buried underground to keep roots from spreading uncontrollably.
- Coffee Grounds for Soil: Sprinkle used coffee grounds around plants to add nitrogen and improve soil structure.
- Biodegradable Seed Starters: Use cleaned eggshell halves with a drainage hole as seed starters. Transplant directly into the garden when ready.
- Revive Plants with Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix 1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 1 cup of water and apply to soil every three weeks to combat root rot.
- Propagate Roses with Honey: Dip rose cuttings in raw honey to encourage root growth before planting.
- Rice Water for Roots: Use rice rinse water to hydrate plants, providing amino acids and minerals.
- Salt as a Weed Preventer: Apply concentrated saltwater to areas where you want to prevent any plant growth, like between patio stones.
- Neem Oil Pest Control: Mix 1 tablespoon of neem oil with 2 liters of water and spray on plants to naturally deter pests.
- Eggshell Seed Starters: Use eggshells as seed starters and plant directly into the soil, allowing decomposition to nourish the plant.
- Banana Peel Water: Soak banana peels in water for a few days, then use the water to provide potassium and phosphorus to plants.
These garden hacks utilize common household items to enhance your gardening efforts.