If you’re getting ready to plant multiple seedlings but you’re unsure of how much space they need, this is a great way to measure it out! Use some old muffin tins to make imprints in the dirt, because the holes it will produce are a perfect size for seedlings to be able to grow. Of course, you will still need to dig them deeper, but the circumference will be gravy!
If you still use your muffin tins often and/or they can’t go through the dishwasher, you may want to hold off on attempting this hack until you’ve got a tin to spare. Unless of course, the thought of eating dirt doesn’t bother you, in which case – go for it!
Use the Funnies to Kill Weeds
Here’s an easy and effective way to kill those pesky weeds. If you don’t already have some old newspapers, start saving up a stack instead of recycling them this week. After about a week or two of saving up the paper, depending on how large of an area you need to cover, you’re ready to begin. Simply open the sections and lay the newspaper on top of areas where weeds are growing to snuff them out and prevent any new ones from popping up.
Of course, you didn’t think you were just going to leave your yard covered in newspapers, right? Your neighbors wouldn’t be very happy, and it wouldn’t last very long as soon as the wind picked up. Once you’ve got all of your paper laid down, cover it with mulch. Repeat this hack in every area of the garden where weeds have a tendency to grow. This trick works by suffocating the weeds, both after they’ve already started to grow and before they get a chance to.
Root Plants from Cuttings with Honey
Honey is so naturally amazing. The ancient Egyptians knew of its healing properties long ago and it is still widely revered today for its anti-fungal and antiseptic properties, among many other reasons. Honey can be used to stimulate growth in plants and keep your cuttings strong and healthy.
To make this hack work, you’ll need honey and a stove and pot to boil some water. Some people also like to use willow water, rather than regular water. Boil the water, mix in your honey, let it cool and then store the mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dark place (or use it as soon as it cools down.) To use the mixture, simply dip cuttings in before planting them in soil.
Cute Spoon Labels
As opposed to the old plastic forks, old kitchen spoons can actually look lovely sticking up out of your garden – if used in an artsy way like this one, anyways. To complete this project, you’ll need some old, metal spoons, a hammer and acrylic paints.
First, use the hammer to flatten out the head of your spoon. Then, paint the heads different base colors, using complementary tones, if possible. You don’t need to worry about painting the stems since they will be hidden by the soil. Finally, write the names of your herbs on the spoons and add some finishing touches, like polka dots or stripes. Wait until the spoons are completely dry before sticking them in the garden – about 24-48 hours.
Empty Cans for the Win
You won’t ever have to toss out your empty cans again or recycle them week after week. Instead, save them to upcycle, using them as an integral part of your garden’s development. After you’re done drinking each can, completely rinse them out and put them upside down on a paper towel until dry.
This hack can help to cut down on the amount of soil you need to use, which can be especially helpful for anyone that’s trying to keep a gorgeous garden on a tight budget. Lay the empty cans in the bottom of your planter to take up space, alternating with some plastic pots and/or fruit boxes if you have them. Then, cover the cans with a piece of landscape fabric and cover with soil.