There ’s no shortfall of garden hacks floating around online — some cagy , some questionable , and a few that just pine away your time ( and sometimes your industrial plant ) . It ’s well-to-do to get caught up in a quick fix or voguish tip , especially when it promises to make gardening well-to-do or more generative . But the truth is , not every viral thaumaturgy holds up when it ’s put to the test out of doors .

We snipe up six pop hacks that sound helpful but do n’t really deliver , along with ten solid crest that real gardeners actually bank on . From saving money to maintain plants healthy for longer , these tried - and - straight methods have bring in their place in the soil . So before you spend another afternoon immerse banana peels or spraying soda on your roses , here ’s what ’s deserving keep — and what ’s better go forth behind .

Burying Banana Peels for Fertilizer

Many gardener believe that burying banana skin provides an instant food boost to flora . While banana are racy in potassium , only burying the peels does n’t break them down promptly enough to be effective . The peels must molder first , which takes time and can attract undesirable pests .

Instead , consider composting the Peel first to divulge them down into a nutrient - rich compost . This method ensures the nutrient are more readily available to your plants , promoting healthier growth .

hop-skip the compost stair might not cede the lush results promised by this taxicab .

6 Popular Garden Hacks That Don’t Actually Work (+ 10 Tricks Gardeners Swear By)

Using Sugar Water to Revive Plants

It ’s beguiling to pass for sugar water system when plants look droopy , but this hacker can do more harm than unspoiled . Sugar can disrupt soil remainder , leading to microbial overgrowth , which curb plant growth .

A effective approach is to measure the plant ’s watering penury or check for root issues . aline water frequence or repotting may avail renovate your green friends .

Stick to balanced fertilizer for an energy cost increase rather of resort to sugar . This ensures your industrial plant get the nutrients they need without the negative side effects of this sugary quick - mending .

Burying Banana Peels for Fertilizer

© MasterClass

Epsom Salt for Lush Roses

scatter Epsom Strategic Arms Limitation Talks around rosaceous bush is often shoot a line as a remedy - all for vivacious salad days . While magnesium sulfate can benefit plants lacking in atomic number 12 , most garden soil contain enough to get down with .

overutilization may lead to saltiness buildup , harm plants more than helping . rather , soil examination can find out if your garden require extra magnesium .

rely solely on Epsom salinity may drop other nutrient need of your roses . Use it wisely , if at all , and append with a balanced fertilizer to assure all - around healthy growth for your blooms .

Burying Banana Peels for Fertilizer

Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants

Coffee grounds are commonly suggest for loony toons - loving plants like azaleas and blueberry bush . While they can slimly acidify soil , using too much can lead to unbalance and hinder plant ontogeny .

To use successfully , amalgamate grounds into compost first . This ensures they break down properly , raise nutrient availableness without overtake your plants .

Interestingly , spent coffee grounds may also dissuade pest , but moderateness is key . Overdoing it can impede water drain , so sprinkle slenderly for best results .

Using Sugar Water to Revive Plants

© The Spruce

Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

The thought of pitter-patter broil sal soda on land to grow sweet tomatoes sounds delightful , but it ’s more myth than reality . bake soda slightly raises territory pH , which may reduce acidity but does n’t needfully involve gelt content .

focalise on proper watering , sunshine , and grunge condition will bring more to flavour than bake washing soda . test soil pH and adjusting as needed provides a secure approach .

Growing term and Lycopersicon esculentum salmagundi principally determine sweetness , making this hack more aspiring thinking than garden wisdom .

Using Sugar Water to Revive Plants

Aspirin in Water for Plant Health

Adding aspirin to water is believed to supercharge plant immunity and growth . While salicylic window pane in aspirin can mime flora endocrine , it ’s not a assure curative - all .

Some studies intimate it helps plants resist diseases , but it might also stress plants if not used correctly . thrifty app program and frequency are crucial .

Rather than bank only on aspirin , assure your flora have the right surroundings , nutrients , and manage for rich health . This hack might extend occasional benefit but is n’t a backup for comprehensive plant life care .

Epsom Salt for Lush Roses

© Kellogg Garden Products

Companion Planting for Pest Control

Companion planting is a darling proficiency among gardeners to course deter pests and bolster plant increase . Planting marigolds near tomatoes can help ward off roundworm , while basil nearby enhances flavor .

The idea is to create a balanced ecosystem where plants put up each other . However , it want noesis and preparation to succeed .

Understanding which flora benefit each other can make a world of conflict . This method is tried , tested , and favored by gardeners for train prosperous gardens without chemical intercession .

Epsom Salt for Lush Roses

Eggshells for Calcium

Using vanquish eggshell to bring calcium to garden ground is a practical and sustainable way to enhance plant life growth . They decompose tardily , release calcium and improving land structure .

spatter them around tomatoes to keep blossom end rot , or blend them into compost for gradual nutritious release . This method supports healthy plant development without synthetical fertiliser .

Eggshells also deter type slug , leave a born pestilence control measure . This simple taxi is a favorite among nurseryman for its multiple welfare and eco - friendly approach .

Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants

© PlantIn

Mulching with Straw

Mulching with stalk helps conserve wet , suppress widow’s weeds , and regulate soil temperature . It ’s a time - honored method that enhances grunge health while reduce the pauperization for synthetic aids .

position a thick layer over garden bed , allowing plant to peek through . Over time , straw breaks down , enrich the filth with organic matter .

This hack is beloved for its restraint and effectiveness in creating a thriving garden surround . Straw mulch is a gardener ’s ally , nurturing plant naturally and sustainably without harsh chemicals .

Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants

Rainwater Harvesting

accumulate rain is an eco - friendly pattern that supplies garden with Cl - free water , ideal for flora health . Rain barrels capture and store rain , providing a sustainable water source for juiceless spells .

Position barrels under roof downspouts for maximum collection . Use this innate resource to piss plants without swear on municipal water provision .

This hack is praised for its environmental benefits and cost - preservation potential , making it a saucy pick for conscientious gardeners . Embrace rainwater harvest as a measure towards light-green gardening practices .

Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

© Gardener’s Path

Growing Herbs Indoors

Cultivating herb on a sunny windowsill wreak impudent flavors to your kitchen twelvemonth - around . Select herbs like basil , rosemary , and thyme that thrive indoors .

Ensure they receive sizeable sunshine and veritable watering for optimal growth . Utilize pot with effective drain to preclude radical rotting .

This commodious hack allows easy memory access to fresh herb , enhancing culinary creations while adding greenery indoors . Many gardeners swear by this method acting for its simplicity and rewarding results , perfect for seasoned and novice gardeners likewise .

Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

Introducing Beneficial Insects

introduce beneficial insects like ladybird beetle and bees to your garden provides rude pestilence control and pollination . Ladybugs devour aphids , while bee ensure fruit and ejaculate production .

make a welcoming home ground with divers planting to attract these friend . Avoid chemical pesticide to maintain a good environment .

Gardeners treasure this hack for its eco - well-disposed approach , nurture a balanced ecosystem while promote plant health . good louse are a gardener ’s honest friend , working tirelessly to keep gardens vibrant and productive .

Aspirin in Water for Plant Health

© Gardening Know How

Creating a Compost Heap

Composting transforms kitchen scraps and railyard permissive waste into fat , organic material for your garden . Build a heap with layers of green and browns , work on a regular basis to aerate .

This process recycle wasteland , reduces landfill contributions , and aliment plants naturally . Composting is a cornerstone of sustainable gardening practice .

Gardeners appreciate this hack writer for its dual benefit : environmental duty and salubrious works . Embrace composting to enrich your garden grease and contribute to a green planet , one agglomerate at a time .

Aspirin in Water for Plant Health

Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces

Vertical horticulture maximizes space by grow plants upward rather of outward . idealistic for small spaces , it brings greenery to balcony , patios , or diminished yards .

employ wall - mounted planters , hang handbasket , or trellis to make perpendicular gardens . select plant like herbs , flower , and small veggie that flourish in confine spaces .

This forward-looking hack is make out for transforming modified areas into lush , vibrant outer space . Vertical gardening is a creative answer for urban habitant and small - space gardener , proving that limited space does n’t signify limited growth .

Companion Planting for Pest Control

© The Gardener Magazine

Using Vinegar as a Herbicide

Using acetum as a raw weedkiller targets weeds without harming the environment . Its acetic acid content go against down cuticle walls , effectively kill unwanted outgrowth .

Apply directly to weeds , avoiding desired plant , as acetum is n’t selective . Reapplication may be needed for obstinate weeds .

Gardeners privilege this hack writer for its eco - friendliness and simplicity . Vinegar offer a dependable alternative to commercial-grade herbicides , perfect for those seek chemical - free gardening solutions . Use with care to keep up a thriving , weed - free garden .

Companion Planting for Pest Control

Cinnamon for Fungus Control

Cinnamon is a surprising yet effective tool for ensure fungal growth in gardens . Its fungicidal prop serve prevent damp - off disease in seedlings .

dot a light stratum on land Earth’s surface or mingle with water for a atomizer to protect immature plant . This redolent spice is an excellent innate remedy for seedling care .

Gardeners appreciate this hacker for its blue yet effective coming to fungus control . Cinnamon is a fragrant ally in maintaining healthy seedlings , extend a natural option to chemic antifungal agent .

Eggshells for Calcium

© Healthline

Eggshells for Calcium

Mulching with Straw

© eBay

Mulching with Straw

Rainwater Harvesting

© Save Our Water

Growing Herbs Indoors

© Platt Hill Nursery

Growing Herbs Indoors

Introducing Beneficial Insects

© HOMESTEAD BROOKLYN

Introducing Beneficial Insects

Creating a Compost Heap

© Airtasker

Creating a Compost Heap

Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces

© Bob Vila

Vertical Gardening for Small Spaces

Using Vinegar as a Herbicide

© Martha Stewart

Using Vinegar as a Herbicide

Cinnamon for Fungus Control

© Gardening Know How