5 budget-friendly gardening hacks you didn't know
What's the story
Gardening is fun and rewarding, but it doesn't have to cost you a fortune. With recycled household items, you can grow a flourishing garden on a budget. Not only are these hacks easy on the pocket, but also on the environment, turning materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill into useful gardening tools. Here are five easy gardening tips using everyday items to boost your garden's growth.
Tip 1
Egg carton seed starters
You can also use cartons as seed starters. Just fill each section with soil and plant your seeds. The carton serves as a biodegradable container which can be directly planted into the ground when the seedlings are ready, minimizing transplant shock. It is a practical and eco-friendly trick as it recycles an item that would have otherwise been tossed away.
Tip 2
Plastic bottle watering system
Did you know plastic bottles can be used to create efficient watering systems for your plants? Just poke small holes in the cap of a plastic bottle, fill it with water, and place it upside down in the soil near your plants. This will allow slow and steady watering, ensuring that moisture reaches the roots without overwatering. It's an easy way to keep plants hydrated while recycling plastic waste.
Tip 3
Coffee grounds as fertilizer
Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen and make an excellent natural fertilizer for acid-loving plants like roses and blueberries. Sprinkle them around the base of your plants or mix them into compost to enrich the soil with nutrients. This hack not only reduces waste but also enhances plant growth at no additional cost.
Tip 4
Newspaper weed barrier
Old newspapers can also be used as effective weed barriers in your garden beds. Simply lay sheets of newspaper on top of weeds or bare soil before adding mulch on top. The newspaper blocks sunlight from reaching weeds, while allowing water to penetrate through its layers, eventually decomposing into organic matter that enriches the soil.
Tip 5
Tin can plant markers
Tin cans make for a creative, cost-effective alternative for garden markers. Just cut strips from empty cans, write plant names with a permanent marker and place them in your garden. This way, you avoid the cost of store-bought markers and the environmental harm of non-recyclable plastic tags, while ensuring clear plant identification throughout the season.