By Stacy Kershaw
It’s hot and humid and the last thing anyone wants to do is heavy yard work. So, this month, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite gardening hacks.
Plant-in-a-Pot Method for the Commitment-Phobic
Worried you might plant that hydrangea in the wrong spot? Here’s a clever way to test the waters. You’ll need a bunch of pots the same size, so they’ll nest in each other. Put your plants in doubled pots, and then bury them at ground level. Whenever you want to move things around, just lift out the top pot and replace with a new one. This method is also the perfect way to alternate seasonal plants.
Tool Bucket
One of those 5-gallon buckets from the hardware store is not only great for collecting weeds, but it’s perfect for storing gardening tools. You can easily transport them from bed to bed and use as a stool. Replace the lid, and you protect everything from the rain.
Smother the Weeds
When weeds start to rear their ugly heads, smother them with newspapers, then put on a layer of mulch.
Recycled Items to Save Soil
Keep all that Amazon packaging and when you have a big pot to fill with soil, first throw in styrofoam peanuts or old cans, then the soil. This will improve drainage and create air pockets for better aeration. This also works great with old sponges.
Critter Repellent Soap Trick
Shred some Irish Spring soap in your food processor and then sprinkle it on your beds to deter deer and rabbits. For some reason, they hate the smell.
Block Soil Seepage
A simple coffee filter placed at the bottom of a pot will allow water to seep through but prevent the soil from coming out the bottom with it.
Simple Lawn Edging
To edge your garden, lay down a 2×4 or 2×6. Hold the board down with your foot and drive a flat spade along the board’s edge. Voila! You have a clean, straight line.
Happy Gardening!
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