Guest post by Michael Hill

The global health crisis caused by COVID-19 has brought many tragedies to people’s lives. This battle still rages on, as scientists race to get the vaccine that can stop its spread distributed to everyone around the world. While we waited at home for the development of vaccines that would allow us to gradually resume our normal lives, a lot of people discovered new hobbies or activities to combat the boredom and anxiety brought on by the lockdowns.

Some have turned to working out, taking up sports like running, or following workouts like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) videos online. Others found that the finally had time to learn a new instrument, picking up a guitar or a ukulele for the first time in their adult lives.

Others still created art for the first time, taking online illustration classes to improve their skills. One hobby that gained significant popularity during this pandemic is gardening, and for good reason.

Tending to a garden is widely regarded as one of the most relaxing outdoor activities. Gardening can boost one’s mental health, and being surrounded by plants and nature is proven to benefit emotional well-being. With less stress, everything from cognitive function to physical ailments like muscle tension and blood pressure can improve.

10 Hacks for newbie gardeners

Here are 10 hacks for newbie gardeners who are ready to roll up their sleeves and do the work.

1. Repurpose and recycle foodstuff husks like eggshells, fruit rinds, and even ice cream cones as seed starters

Aside from used eggshells, melons, lemons, oranges, any fruit that can be hollowed out can be used as seed starters. This hack is a great way to start your eco-friendly home journey as it will help you produce less waste. If you’re using ice cream cones, cut off the bottom around an inch or more before transplanting.

2. Use take-out tea or coffee cups to water smaller plants

Small potted indoor plants, such as cacti or sales, are very sensitive when it comes to the water they receive. One of the most common gardening mistakes for newbies is overwatering plants, which may result in root rot because of low oxygen levels in the soil. The tiny hole on coffee cup lids gives you the perfect water volume to help nourish your plants.

3. Use sponges for optimized plant hydration purposes

 As mentioned, root rot occurs when too much water has settled at the bottom of a pot. Cutting up used sponges and storing them at the bottom of the pot ensures that there is just enough hydration for your plants.

These will function as a water reserve that can help keep the soil moist for longer periods, while allowing the roots to “breathe” thanks to the air space created. The water reserve created means that you may not have to water your plant babies as often.

4. Put sprouted garlic in water

 Maybe you have an unused garlic bulb that has been sitting in your kitchen for weeks that it has started sprouting leaves. Putting them in water allows them to regrow, much like how lettuce plant bottoms soaked in water will grow new leaves.

5. Use coffee filters as dirt stoppers

 Dirt often flows out of the bottom of potted plants when you water them. Using large stones to cover the bottom isn’t usually enough to hold the water in. Putting a coffee filter at the bottom of the pot before filling it with soil will stop the dirt from flowing out while also allowing water to exit from below so that the plant does not become waterlogged.

6. Layer some cardboard or newspaper before mulching

 Following your garden bed planting, setting down some cardboard or newspaper before mulching blocks weeds and prevents grass sprouts. It is a great hack to save money and keep your garden free of toxic chemicals.

7. Use cinnamon as an organic fungicide

Dusting some cinnamon on young plants or seedlings may save them from harmful fungi, which is a common problem in most gardens. The delicious spice often used in desserts is a natural fungicide that can help your plants thrive and live their best life!

8. Use over-door fabric shoe organizers as space-saving vertical gardens

Using cheap over-door shoe organizers is a quick way to create your very own vertical herb or lettuce garden. The best part is that you can have great yields without having to use up a lot of space. The key is to use one with deep pockets so that water can properly drain. You may also want to poke holes underneath to facilitate the process. 

9. Tame climbing plants with zip ties

 Zip ties are a great way to control the growth of your climbing, crawling vines. Fastening the zip ties first around the stalks and then to a stable surface will direct the vines' growth. Just make sure not to strap your plants too tightly that they become constricted and can no longer grow healthily!

10. Get a durable tarp

 If you have a big garden, landscaping can be made easier with a heavy-duty tarp. You can haul massive amounts of debris like leaves, weeds, small rocks, or other materials safely and efficiently with it.

Grow your garden with these nifty hacks

Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of imagination to make a garden thrive and reach its full potential. You may not have all the latest gardening tools, but improvising with the right kind of materials and having neat garden hacks in your arsenal will give you results that are just as good.

Michael Hill is the Marketing Manager at Ayala Land International. He believes that everyday is a chance to learn something new. In his free time, he writes about home improvement, personal finance, and lifestyle articles while listening to soul and jazz music.

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