Date
January 03 2018
Written By
Ben Rummel
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5 Garden Hacks Everyone Should Know

We, gardeners, are always on the lookout for new garden hacks to spice up things here and there in our gardens. Below are 5 garden hacks from Wonderland Gardens that every gardener will find useful. Presoak to speed up germination Different seeds have a different germination rate, not because their embryos vary but because their shells have varying water-resistance. All that seeds need to activate and grow is some water to reach their embryos. Now, to jump-start the germination, all you do is presoak your seeds for up to 24 hours. However, you must be careful not to soak them for too long as they might rot. Presoaking helps in breaking the water-resistant coat/ dormancy and the seeds swell and the embryo begins to plump up. But, be sure not to soak seeds that germinate better in cool/cold temperatures in warm water and vice versa. Used coffee grounds in your compost pile, as fertilizer and as an insecticide You don’t have to throw away the used coffee grounds because they might be very useful in your garden. First, coffee grounds are very rich in nitrogen, and as such, they make a great addition to your compost pile because they speed up the composting process by breaking down the organic items in the compost pile. Again, the coffee grounds mask the unpleasant smell that comes from the pile. Second, used coffee grounds make a good fertilizer thanks to the abundance of nitrogen. And, just to note, used coffee grounds are not acidic. The acid present in coffee beans is water soluble thus it goes to the coffee itself leaving the grounds acid-free. Again, you don’t have to go for harsh chemicals when dealing with pests in your garden. All you need is coffee grounds because most pests, including slugs, can’t stand it. Plus, this will even be more advantageous if you have acid-loving plants because as mentioned above, unused coffee grounds have water-soluble acid which will end up in the soil with time. Use leftover beer or Clarified neem oil to kill snugs For neem tree, buy it in concentrated form then dilute it yourself following the recommended dilution rates on the bottles. Neem will repel all types of insects including thrips and aphids. What makes it even a better option is that there is no harm in eating plants that have been sprayed with neem. The other option is to use leftover beer in your garden to attract then kill snugs. All you need is beer in containers placed in various spots in your garden, and it will attract snugs then kill them once they crawl in. Use an old milk jug as a makeshift watering can A good garden hose can help a great deal, especially when watering large lawns. However, there are times when a watering can is more ideal. The good news is that you don’t have to buy one if you have an old milk jug because all you do is drill a few holes on the lid and voila! Also, this will be a great way to save water because you will have a better control of how much goes where. However, this will only work for simple watering tasks. Use disposable diapers to retain moisture in your potted plants Another great garden hack is laying diapers in your potted plants to retain moisture longer. This is especially helpful during the overly dry/warmer weather where pots require frequent irrigation. They are a great alternative to water retention crystals because they too contain hydrogel.

I have been around gardeners my whole life. One thing I have learned is this. Gardeners love simple tricks that actually work.

Not gimmicks. Not shortcuts that cause problems later. Just small changes that make growing easier.

Here are five garden hacks I have seen work again and again.

Presoak Seeds to Help Them Sprout Faster

Some seeds take longer to sprout than others. It is not because the seed is bad. It is usually because the outer shell is slow to let water in.

Water is what wakes the seed up.

To speed things along, soak your seeds in water before planting. Most seeds do well with a soak of up to twenty four hours. That gives water time to reach the embryo inside and start the growing process.

Do not soak them longer than that. Too much water for too long can cause rot.

Also pay attention to temperature. Seeds that prefer cooler soil should not be soaked in warm water. Warm weather seeds usually do fine with room temperature water.

This one small step can make a big difference.

Use Coffee Grounds Instead of Throwing Them Away

Used coffee grounds are one of the most useful things people toss in the trash.

They are full of nitrogen, which plants love. Adding coffee grounds to your compost pile helps speed up the breakdown of organic material. They also help reduce odor, which anyone with a compost pile can appreciate.

Used coffee grounds can also be mixed into soil as a mild fertilizer. A common myth is that used grounds are acidic. They are not. The acid washes out when coffee is brewed.

Coffee grounds can also help with pests. Slugs and some insects do not like them. Sprinkle grounds around plants as a natural barrier instead of reaching for chemicals.

Use Neem Oil or Beer to Control Slugs

Slugs can do a lot of damage in a short time.

Neem oil is one option that works well. Buy it in concentrated form and dilute it according to the label. Neem helps repel many common insects like aphids and thrips. It is safe to use on food plants when used correctly.

Beer traps are another simple option. Place small containers of beer around the garden. Slugs are attracted to it, crawl in, and do not crawl back out.

It is not pretty, but it works.

Turn an Old Milk Jug Into a Watering Can

There are times when a hose is too much. Small plants and containers often need gentle watering.

An old milk jug works great. Rinse it out. Drill a few small holes in the cap. Fill it with water.

Now you have a watering can with good control. This also helps reduce water waste because you can target exactly where the water goes.

Simple and free.

Retain Moisture in Pots With Diapers

This one surprises people, but it works.

Disposable diapers contain material that holds water. That same material can help potted plants stay moist longer during hot weather.

Place a diaper at the bottom of a pot before adding soil. It helps retain water and reduces how often you need to water.

This is especially helpful for outdoor containers in summer. Just make sure the diaper does not block drainage holes.

BONUS: One More Thing That Makes Growing Easier

Good habits matter, but so do good tools.

Plantable pots make starting plants easier and cleaner. You plant the entire pot and let it break down in the soil.

Our 3 inch round plantable pot works well for seed starting and small transplants.
https://selfecogarden.com/products/3-round-pot

The 4 inch round pot is a good option for vegetables, herbs, and larger starts.
https://selfecogarden.com/products/4-round-pot

For growers who need more strength, compostable options like the Eco 3.0 Grande pot hold up well while reducing plastic use.
https://selfecogarden.com/products/eco-3-0-grande-pot

Gardening does not need to be complicated. Most of the time, the best results come from small changes done consistently.

That is how I think about it.

– Danny Mishek

Comments

Pam - January 03 2026

Do you have any great ideas for the perfect soil to use with your pots?

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