Gardening is one of life’s simple pleasures, as there’s nothing quite like growing your own food or filling your outdoor space with beautiful plants. But whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, we all run into little challenges along the way. Battling stubborn weeds, keeping plants hydrated during hot spells, or figuring out the best way to start seeds indoors are all challenges you can face. The good news is that a few clever tricks can make a big difference in how easy and enjoyable gardening can be.

We’ve put together ten tried-and-true gardening hacks to save you time, improve your plant health, and help you make the most of your space. Let’s dig in!

 

1. Make Watering Easier with a Retractable Garden Hose

Watering should be one of the most relaxing parts of gardening, but dealing with a tangled hose? Not so much. A retractable garden hose solves that problem by neatly coiling itself up when you’re done. No more wrestling with knots or dragging a heavy hose across your yard.

Bonus tip: Look for one with an adjustable spray nozzle to control the water pressure, from a gentle mist for seedlings to a strong stream for deep watering.

2. Start Seeds in Seed Planting Trays for a Stronger Start

It all starts with the right foundation if you want healthy, thriving plants. Using seed planting trays gives young plants a stable environment where they can sprout safely before facing the elements. Plus, trays make it easy to manage moisture and prevent overcrowding.

For best results:

• Use high-quality seed-starting mix.

• Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

• Place trays in a warm, sunny spot or under grow lights.

Once your seedlings have a few sets of leaves, they’re ready to move to your garden beds or containers.

3. Repurpose Kitchen Scraps for Better Soil

Great gardens start with great soil; you don’t have to spend a fortune on fancy fertilizers. Instead, use food scraps to enrich your garden naturally.

Here are a few easy ways to do it:

• Eggshells: Crushed eggshells add calcium to the soil and help prevent blossom-end rot in tomatoes and peppers.

• Banana peels: Bury them near your plants for a slow-release potassium boost.

• Coffee grounds: They add nitrogen and can help improve soil texture.

4. Control Weeds with Cardboard or Newspaper

Weeds are a gardener’s worst enemy, and pulling them every week is exhausting. Laying down a layer of cardboard or newspaper before adding mulch blocks sunlight and keeps weeds from sprouting while still allowing water to reach your plants.

To do this, remove any existing weeds, flatten the cardboard or layer newspaper (about 4-6 sheets thick) directly on the soil, and overlap the edges to prevent gaps where weeds can sneak through. Then, cover it with a few inches of mulch to hold everything in place and help it break down naturally over time.

5. Keep a Garden Journal

A garden journal is a great way to track your progress and learn from your experiences. Write down what you plant, when, and how it grows. Note any challenges you face, like pests or weather issues, and how you solve them. Over time, your journal will become a valuable resource that helps you improve your gardening skills.

6. Use a DIY Slow-Watering System

Going away for a few days? No problem! A simple DIY watering system can keep your plants happy while you’re gone.

Here’s how:

• Fill a plastic bottle with water.

• Poke a few tiny holes in the cap.

• Bury the bottle upside down near the plant’s roots.

The water will slowly trickle out, keeping your plants hydrated without overwatering. If you have raised garden beds, you can place multiple bottles throughout the bed to ensure even moisture distribution, especially for thirsty plants like tomatoes and peppers.

7. Grow Companion Plants to Naturally Repel Pests

Nature has its way of controlling pests, and you can use that to your advantage with companion planting. Certain plants help protect each other when grown together, keeping bugs away and improving overall growth.

Here are a few great pairings:

• Tomatoes & Basil – Basil repels tomato hornworms and makes your tomatoes taste even better.

• Marigolds & Vegetables – Marigolds deter aphids and other harmful insects.

• Carrots & Onions – Onions naturally repel carrot flies.

8. Maximize Space with Vertical Gardening

Vertical gardening is a great way to grow more plants in a smaller area. Trellises, hanging planters, and wall-mounted pots help you make the most of your space, whether you're growing vegetables, herbs, or flowers.

Great plants for vertical gardening:

• Cucumbers

• Pole beans

• Peas

• Strawberries

9 Use Epsom Salt for Stronger Plants

Epsom salt is an easy and affordable way to boost your plants' magnesium. Magnesium helps with seed germination, improves nutrient absorption, and promotes lush green leaves.

How to use: Dissolve one tablespoon of Epsom salt in a gallon of water and use it to water your plants every few weeks. Tomatoes, peppers, and roses especially love this treatment.

10. Harvest Herbs the Right Way for Continuous Growth

If you love fresh herbs, harvesting them the right way will keep them growing strong. The key is to always trim just above a leaf node (the spot where leaves grow from the stem). This encourages the plant to produce more branches and leaves.

For herbs like basil, regularly pinching off flowers will keep the plant focused on growing leaves instead of going to seed. More leaves mean more flavor for your kitchen!

Conclusion

Gardening doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart tricks, like using a retractable garden hose to make watering easier or starting seeds in seed planting trays for stronger plants, you can spend less time struggling and more time enjoying your garden.

No matter your experience level, gardening is about learning, experimenting, and having fun. So try out these hacks, share your tips with fellow gardeners, and most importantly, enjoy the process.