As I watched a recent TikTok video from creators @jeffandlaurenshow, I felt a mix of emotions: frustration, but also curiosity. They shared several gardening hacks that were so simple, I couldn’t help but wonder how I ever gardened without them. After calming down, I rushed outside to try them out – and I’m glad I did, because now I can confirm that they work. In this article, we’ll explore these 7 simple TikTok gardening hacks that can transform your gardening experience.
Using Plant Containers as Planting Guides
When planting a new garden or rearranging an existing one, it’s essential to ensure that the holes you dig are the right size for the plants you’re about to put in. This might seem like a straightforward task, but it’s surprising how often we get it wrong. One hack that’s been making the rounds on TikTok is using empty plant containers as planting guides. You know those little plastic containers that new plants come in from the garden center? Remove those plants and press the empty containers into your soil first. Cover them with soil around the outside, and when you lift them out, you’re left with perfectly sized, perfectly spaced holes ready for each plant to drop straight into. This works super well in large pots when you want good depth, as the container sits lower in the soil, meaning nothing falls out when it’s covered.
Before trying this hack, I spent many years digging holes in my garden that only ended up being too small for my plant of choice. It’s a problem that’s easy to solve, but one that can be frustrating when you’re trying to get everything just right. The good news is that this hack is surprisingly effective – and it’s something that you can do with any type of plant, whether it’s a seedling or a more mature plant.
Building an Extended Pruning Reach Tool
When it comes to pruning tall trees and shrubs, it’s not always easy to reach the top branches without a ladder. Unless you’re a giraffe, cutting high branches can prove to be quite difficult, especially for those who don’t have a ladder. That’s why I was excited to learn about a hack that uses a long tube and eye-hole hook to extend your pruning reach. Jeff takes a long tube and screws in an eye-hole hook (like this one from Amazon). He puts the handle of a pair of garden shears through the top of the tube, held in place by a rubber band. A bungee cord threaded through the hook wraps around the shears’ other handle (acting as a sort of “hand”). The result is an improvised long-reach pruning tool that costs almost nothing to put together (except maybe a little brain power).
Of course, this hack isn’t a replacement for a telescopic pruning pole – if you’re going to be pruning tall trees and shrubs regularly, then invest in one of these. But for occasional pruning, this hack is a great way to get the job done without breaking the bank or needing a ladder.
Deadheading Roses the Right Way
Deadheading roses is one of those tasks that’s easy to get wrong. When cut off just the spent flower and its immediate stem isn’t enough – you need to cut below the first set of five leaflets. Cutting too high will result in weaker regrowth, and getting this right makes a significant difference to how well your roses bloom. This hack might seem like a correction to an all-too-common rose mistake, but it’s actually a straightforward one to follow. Simply make sure to cut below the first set of five leaflets when deadheading your roses, and you’ll be rewarded with healthier, more vibrant blooms.
One of the benefits of deadheading roses is that it encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing new flowers rather than seed. This means that you’ll get more blooms from your roses, and they’ll be more vibrant and healthy-looking as a result. Of course, deadheading is just one part of rose care – but it’s an essential one to get right if you want to enjoy the best possible blooms from your roses.
Removing Rust from Garden Shears with White VinegarHow to Remove Rust from Garden Shears with White Vinegar
Most of us have experienced the frustration of rusty garden shears at some point. It’s a problem that’s easy to solve, but one that can be frustrating when you’re trying to get everything just right. Rather than running to the store to replace rusty shears or suffering through the consequences, you can simply place the metal part in a jar of distilled white vinegar and leave it to soak. The acidity breaks down the rust and restores the metal, making it one of those uses for white vinegar that genuinely works.
It’s worth noting that this hack only works for metal rust – if you’ve got plastic or wooden shears, you’ll need to try a different approach. But for metal rust, white vinegar is a miracle worker. Simply place the shears in a jar, cover them with vinegar, and let them soak for a few hours or overnight. When you take them out, the rust should be gone, and your shears should be good as new.
Bottom Watering Your Plants
When it comes to watering your plants, most of us tend to do it the easy way – by pouring water directly onto the soil. However, this method can be problematic, especially for plants that dislike moisture on their leaves or crown. Rather than watering from the top, try placing your pot in a bowl of water and letting it absorb moisture from the bottom up. This method – also known as bottom watering – allows the compost to absorb water more evenly, which can be especially beneficial for plants that are prone to overwatering.
One of the benefits of bottom watering is that it reduces the risk of waterlogged soil. When you water from the top, it’s easy to end up with too much water in the soil, which can be fatal for your plants. By bottom watering, you can avoid this problem altogether, and ensure that your plants get the moisture they need without drowning them.
Scratching Your Nails on Soap or Wax Before Gardening
Gardening can be tough on your nails, especially if you’re working with soil or handling plants with thorns. One hack that’s been making the rounds on TikTok is to scratch your nails on soap or wax before gardening. This simple trick can help prevent dirt from getting trapped underneath your nails, making it easier to clean up and reducing the risk of infection.
Of course, this hack isn’t a replacement for proper nail care – but it’s a useful addition to your gardening routine. Simply take a piece of soap or wax and run your nails over it before gardening, and you’ll be protected from dirt and debris. It’s a small trick that can make a big difference in your gardening experience.
Make a DIY Plant Propagation Hanger
If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to propagate plants, consider making a DIY plant propagation hanger. This hack uses a mason jar and some string to create a space-saving propagation station that’s perfect for cuttings that root in water. Simply tie a string to the bottom of a mason jar, fill it with water, and place a cutting inside. The result is a beautiful and functional way to propagate plants, and it’s a great way to reuse and recycle old mason jars.
One of the benefits of making a DIY plant propagation hanger is that it’s a great way to reuse and recycle old mason jars. Rather than throwing them away, you can turn them into a useful tool for your garden. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to propagate plants, and it’s a great way to get kids involved in gardening.
Conclusion
Gardening can be a complex and challenging task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and techniques, you can make gardening easier and more enjoyable. In this article, we’ve explored 7 simple TikTok gardening hacks that can transform your gardening experience. From using plant containers as planting guides to making a DIY plant propagation hanger, these hacks are easy to implement and can make a big difference in your garden. By trying out these hacks, you can take your gardening to the next level and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and thriving garden.
So next time you’re out in the garden, remember these 7 simple TikTok gardening hacks and see how they can help you. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can take your gardening to new heights and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
