Best gardening hacks to try in 2025!

Intro

Gardening is one of my best hobbies. So I watch gardening hacks a lot. Gardening not only helps the environment but also makes you empathetic & responsible. Taking care of plants & trees really makes you a parent who is nourishing its child. It’s not only a part-time hobby but a large growing profession worldwide.

If you are into gardening, you would know that it’s not a walk in the park. Knowing which tools to use, techniques, planting new saplings are just the tip of an iceberg. Gardening can be hard sometimes but don’t worry, because I have gathered some best gardening hacks for all the plant parents. These hacks are easy to apply & will take your gardening to the next level.

1.Use Cardboard Planters

Before getting into gardening hacks, one of the first things to ensure is that plants get essential nutrients to grow. For that, cardboard planters or egg cartons are the best. They are made with natural elements like cow dung, which are a good option for your plants.

They give proper nutrition to them as well as drain the soil properly.

2. Kitchen Waste as Manure

My mom uses this out of all the gardening hacks. Everything that is usually thrown in the dustbin like used tealeaves, vegetable peels, rotten fruits, eggshells, food scrapes – collect them and put in your planters.

Your plants will grow double the usual speed, because this carries a lot of nutrients important for them.

3. Banana Peels As Natural Fertilizer

Banana peels are rich in potassium and phosphorus, promoting root growth and flowering. They’re eco-friendly, recycling food waste and avoiding chemicals. Decomposing peels improve soil structure and boost beneficial microbes.

They’re a free, natural, and sustainable fertilizer option for home gardens. This is one of the gardening hacks that I use a lot.

4. Watering Your Plants at the Wrong Time

Watering plants overhead at the wrong time can cause problems. Doing it during midday leads to quick evaporation, while evening watering keeps leaves wet overnight, encouraging fungal diseases. The best time to water is early morning, allowing moisture to reach roots and leaves to dry quickly.

5. Eggshells and Salt to Deter Slugs and Snails

Using crushed eggshells and salt to deter slugs and snails is a common gardening myth. While eggshells may slightly slow them down, they’re not very effective barriers. Salt can kill slugs and snails but also harms plants and soil health. It’s better to use safer, natural alternatives like copper tape, beer traps, or diatomaceous earth for pest control.

6. Coffee Filters for Leak-Free Gardening!

Give your old coffee filters a second life by using them to line the bottoms of your pots and containers. This clever trick keeps soil from escaping through the drainage holes while still allowing excess water to pass through easily.

It prevents messy leaks, keeps your potting area clean, and ensures proper drainage to avoid root rot.

7. Companion Planting

Companion planting is the practice of growing different plants close together so they can benefit each other. It’s a natural and eco-friendly way to boost plant health, control pests, and improve harvests.

8. Start Seeds in Toilet Paper Rolls

Give your seedlings a sustainable start by using empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls as mini seed starters. They’re perfect for plants with long root systems like peas or beans.

Simply fill the rolls with soil, plant your seeds, and once they’re ready to move outdoors, you can plant the entire roll directly into the ground.

9. Use Newspaper as a Weed Barrier

Don’t toss those old newspapers, turn them into an eco-friendly weed blocker! Simply layer sheets of non-glossy newspaper around your plants and top them with mulch.

The paper acts as a natural barrier, blocking sunlight to prevent weed growth while still allowing water and nutrients to reach the soil. This is one of the gardening hacks you won’t find anywhere.

Outro

And there you have it. Simple, sustainable gardening hacks that make caring for your plants easier, cleaner, and more eco-friendly! Whether it’s reusing household items or embracing natural fertilizers, these small steps can make a big difference in your garden’s health and your planet’s well-being.