5 Garden Hacks Everyone Should Know

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?