Emily Simon, Author at Green Thumb Daily

Gardening is not just about putting seeds into the soil and waiting for them to grow; it's a blend of science, art, and a bit of secret know-how that can turn a mundane plot into a thriving garden oasis. Over the years, I've discovered that the most impactful gardening techniques often come from the most unexpected places — simple household items and easily overlooked practices that give your plants the advantages they need. Whether you're a novice green-thumb eager to learn the ropes, or an experienced gardener looking to refine your skills, there are secret hacks that can make a significant difference in your garden's health and yield. Through trial and error, I've honed in on tricks that seem almost too good to be true. From unconventional uses of Epsom salt to the wonders of a homemade drip irrigation system, each hack opens up new possibilities for gardeners of all levels. I've enriched my soil with coffee grounds to give my plants a nitrogen boost, and I've mastered the secret to maintaining perfect pH balance for varied plant species. What's more, my garden has become a testament to how everyday items can find a second life promoting plant health, and how companion planting can not only save space but also organically ward off pests. Key Takeaways Gardening is enhanced by mixing traditional practices with creative, lesser-known techniques. Simple household substances and DIY solutions can have a profound effect on plant growth. Timing and knowledge of plants' specific needs are crucial for a thriving garden. Gardening Hack 1: The Magic of Epsom Salt When it comes to giving my plants a boost, I've discovered that Epsom salt works wonders. It's a natural mineral compound composed of magnesium and sulfate, two vital nutrients that support plant growth. Why Epsom Salt? Magnesium is crucial for seed germination, production of chlorophyll, and helping enzymes function. Sulfate aids in the absorption of nutrients and the formation of proteins. Now, you might wonder how to integrate Epsom salt into your gardening routine. Here's a simple guide: Seed Starting: To create your own mini greenhouse, sprinkle a pinch of Epsom salt into the soil at the bottom of a 2-liter soda bottle cut in half. The magnesium aids in strong seedling growth. Fertilizing: Combine 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water in a watering can and use it to fertilize your plants once a month. This is especially beneficial for container gardens or raised beds where soil might lack sufficient magnesium. Transplanting: Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into the hole before transplanting a plant. It helps to prevent transplant shock and encourages root development. Leafy Greens: Lightly sprinkle Epsom salt around plants like spinach and lettuce to promote lush, vibrant leaves. Remember to water your plants regularly, as moist soil allows for better absorption of Epsom salt. And don't worry about overdoing it—Epsom salt doesn't build up in the soil like synthetic fertilizers, so it's safe for your garden. I often use other organic matter as well—like coffee grounds for nitrogen, crushed eggshells for calcium, and cardboard as biodegradable mulch. But for magnesium and sulfate, I always turn to Epsom salt. Plus, in small-space gardens, it's a simple solution to maximize the health and yield of my plants without needing big equipment or complicated techniques. Gardening Hack 2: The DIY Drip Irrigation System I love finding new ways to keep my plants thriving, especially in my small-space garden. I've discovered that a homemade drip irrigation system can be both simple and cost-effective, using items I already have. This is perfect for a raised bed, container gardening, or even a mini greenhouse. Let me share with you how I set this up. First, I gather used water bottles, which will serve as my drip emitters. Here's what I then do: Prepare the Bottles: I use a nail and hammer to punch two small holes in the caps. I'm careful to make the holes just the right size—not too large—to ensure a slow dripping of water. Fill With Water: I fill the bottles with water, sometimes even adding liquid fertilizer to give my plants a nutrient boost. Positioning: I then invert the bottles and plant them neck-down close to the plants, pressing them into the soil to keep them secure. For larger areas or longer rows, I might use a tubing system: Lay the Tubing: I use garden-safe tubing, laying it across my planting area and securing it with garden staples to prevent curling. Punctuate With Holes: At intervals matching my plants' spacing, I punch holes in the tubing using a thick needle or small drill bit. Connect: I attach one end of the tubing to a water source and cap the other end. This system keeps soil moist, which is vital for healthy plant growth. A slow water release directly to the roots prevents waste and conserves water. I've noticed that maintaining consistent soil moisture helps with the uptake of essential nutrients, like nitrogen, magnesium, and sulfate—whatever my compost, coffee grounds, or Epsom salt practices have introduced. Moreover, this method helps aerate the soil and reduces the fungus problems often associated with overhead watering. And, since I can use recycled bottles and household items, I'm keeping it green in more ways than one. Gardening Hack 3: Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer In my quest for a sustainable garden, I've discovered that coffee grounds make an exceptional natural fertilizer. Their richness in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium supports plant growth by nourishing the soil. Coffee grounds also contain micronutrients like sulfur, which is beneficial for certain plants. Here’s how I like to use coffee grounds in my garden: Composting: I add coffee grounds to my compost bin, along with other organic matter like vegetable peels and cardboard. Coffee grounds aid in the decomposition process, turning waste into valuable compost. Direct Application: Sprinkling coffee grounds directly onto the soil provides a slow release of nutrients. I usually mix them into the top layer of soil around my plants. Mulching: Mixing coffee grounds with other organic mulch helps retain soil moisture and keeps weeds at bay. Additionally, during hot days, it insulates the soil, protecting plant roots. For container gardening and raised beds, I find that coffee grounds help aerate the soil, increasing oxygen levels for healthier root systems. Plus, the grounds assist in maintaining proper moisture levels. One important note: I use coffee grounds sparingly around seedlings, as the caffeine can inhibit growth. Mature plants, on the other hand, seem to thrive with this added boost. These methods have proven to be a game-changer for my small-space garden. Keeping plants green and growing strong is a breeze with grounds from my morning brew! Hack 4: The Secret to Perfect pH Balance Achieving the right pH balance in soil is crucial for my garden's success, as it affects nutrient uptake for plants. I've learned that most plants thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0, which is slightly acidic to neutral. However, some like blueberries and azaleas prefer more acidic conditions. Here's how I ensure optimal pH levels: Testing the Soil: I start with a simple DIY test using vinegar and baking soda to get an idea of my soil's pH. If the soil fizzes with vinegar, it's alkaline; no reaction means it might be acidic. I confirm this by seeing if the soil fizzes when I add a baking soda and water mix – fizzing indicates acidity. Adjusting pH Naturally: For Acidic Soil: Hardwood ash or lime can raise the pH, making it more alkaline. I use them sparingly, blending them well into the soil. For Alkaline Soil: Sphagnum peat, coffee grounds, or sulfur can help to lower pH levels. I find that well-aged compost also helps to stabilize pH. Maintaining pH: I incorporate plenty of organic matter like compost and mulch, which gradually improves and stabilizes pH over time. Old t-shirts and cardboard break down and enrich the soil, too. Monitoring and Adjusting: Even when my soil is at the ideal pH, I keep an eye on it, especially after heavy rain or fertilizing, which can alter pH levels. I make adjustments using natural amendments – for instance, a sprinkle of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) to help with magnesium levels or crushed eggshells for calcium. Plant Specifics: I'm careful to match plants with their preferred pH. Blueberries, for instance, won't thrive in the same soil as my lavender. So, I create separate spaces – like a raised bed or container garden – to cater to their needs. By keeping track of my soil's pH and amending it as needed, I can create a thriving garden where plants grow healthy and strong. Hack 5: Repurposing Household Items for Gardening In my journey to create a more sustainable garden, I've discovered that many everyday household items can be given a second life as gardening tools or planters. It's a pocket-friendly and eco-conscious choice that brings creativity to my gardening routine. Mini Greenhouse: For those looking to grow seedlings, mini greenhouses can be fashioned from cut 2-liter soda bottles. These create a moist, protected environment to help plants thrive. Raised Bed and Containers: When building a raised bed or engaging in container gardening, I often use old drawers or crates lined with cardboard as a base. The cardboard helps in retaining soil moisture whilst keeping costs and waste low. Compost and Fertilizer Boosters: Organic matter is vital for healthy soil, and coffee grounds /eggshells provide nitrogen, magnesium, and sulfate – essential nutrients for your plants. I sprinkle these around the base of my plants as a natural fertilizer. DIY Mulch: Shredded cardboard or newspaper can double as mulch to keep soil moist and aerate the base of my plants. Plus, it's a fantastic way to recycle paper products. Container Gardening: To fashion pots, I've turned to items like paper towel tubes and old t-shirts. They are excellent for supporting the planting and growing process, as well as offering interesting visual appeal. Watering Can: An old milk jug or watering can can be pierced to create a gentle shower for my plants, ensuring delicate watering without overwatering. By repurposing items like these for spacing, grow, and small-space gardening, I'm reducing waste and saving money, all while creating a unique and productive garden space. It's a win-win for me and the environment! Hack 6: The Art of Companion Planting Companion planting is a method I use in my garden to boost productivity and health in a natural way. It involves placing plants together that benefit each other by deterring pests, improving soil, or aiding pollination. It's like finding friends for your plants that help them grow stronger and healthier. For example, marigolds are fantastic companions for many vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, because they repel harmful nematodes. Similarly, planting basil near your tomato plants can help repel insects and even improve the flavor of the tomatoes. This synergy between different plants maximizes the use of space and resources in your garden. Here's a simple guide: Nasturtiums: Plant with cucumbers to fend off beetles. Garlic: Grows well with roses and raspberries, deterring aphids. Chives: Benefit carrots and tomatoes by warding off Japanese beetles and enhancing flavor. I incorporate organic matter like compost, eggshells, and coffee grounds to enrich the soil with essential nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and sulfate. These additions ensure that my companion plants have the right environment to thrive. I also use cardboard as mulch to suppress weeds and keep the soil moist. When it comes to watering, I distribute it evenly with a watering can, sometimes adding Epsom salt to provide magnesium. For container gardening or small-space gardens, I employ creative hacks like using cut soda bottles as mini greenhouses to create humid, stable conditions for seedlings to grow. Spacing is critical – I give my plant pairs room to grow without overcrowding, sometimes using objects like paper towel tubes or old t-shirts to aid this. I find that companion planting not only makes my garden more productive, but it also turns it into a vibrant, green sanctuary. Hack 7: Timing is Everything - Best Planting and Harvesting Times Planting and harvesting at the right time can vastly improve the success of your garden, whether it's a small-space garden, a raised bed, or a container garden. I've compiled some insights to help you get the timing just right. Planting Guide: Early Spring: This is ideal for starting seeds indoors, using mini greenhouses or clear containers to maintain warmth like cut plastic bottles. Late Spring: Transition seedlings to outdoor spaces. In raised beds or containers, ensure the soil is rich with compost and organic matter. Summer: Direct sow heat-loving plants like tomatoes and peppers. Regularly apply mulch to maintain moisture and suppress weeds. Harvesting Guide: Leafy Greens: Harvest these when they are tender and full-sized but before they turn bitter. Root Vegetables: Harvest when they are the right size but don't leave them too long, or they can become tough. Fruits like tomatoes and peppers: Wait for full color, but harvest before they overripen on the vine. Mini Calendar: MonthActionJanuaryPlan garden; start seeds indoorsFebruaryContinue indoor seedingMarchPrepare beds; transplant seedlingsAprilPlant cool-weather cropsMayPlant warm-weather cropsJuneImplement pest control; mulchJulyRegular watering & feedingAugustStart harvestingSeptemberContinue harvesting; plant fall cropsOctoberHarvest; add compostNovemberClean garden; add mulchDecemberRest & plan for next year In my garden, I save eggshells and coffee grounds for compost, providing calcium and nitrogen to my plants. A mix of Epsom salt in my watering can supplies magnesium and sulfate. I also repurpose old t-shirts as plant ties and use sponges in the base of containers to help retain moisture. Remember, spacing is crucial, allowing plants to grow without competing for light and air. Aerate the soil often to encourage root development, and always stay on top of the watering schedule, especially in the heat of the summer. Happy gardening!