7 Creative Gardening Hacks That Actually Work

Companion gardening is a garden hack all on its own. Most people consider marigolds near your tomatoes the best companion gardening hack.  What if I told you some of the best garden companions aren’t even plants? You can turn kitchen scraps, broken tools, or even household odds and ends into garden game-changers with some creativity.

Here are six fun, easy and cheap gardening tricks you can do with companion planting, or any gardening in your backyard. I’ve tried these myself and they work. Whether you’re new to gardening or already an expert, there’s something here to try.

Oh, and for the classic tips that pair perfectly with these hacks, check out How Companion Gardening Saves Me Money. 

 

Hack #1: Use Epsom Salt for Healthier Plants

Epsom salt isn’t just for soothing sore muscles but is also great for your certain plants like tomatoes, peppers, and roses that need a little extra magnesium to thrive.

 

 

How to Use It:

For planting time: When transplanting seedlings, sprinkle a tablespoon of Epsom salt into the hole before adding the plant. This gives the roots a head start with some much-needed magnesium right from the beginning.

For ongoing care: Mix 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt into a gallon of water. Use this solution once a month to water your plants. Just pour it at the base, where the roots can easily absorb it.

For foliar feeding: If your plants look tired or show yellowing leaves (a sign of magnesium deficiency), spray a diluted solution (about 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt per quart of water) directly on the leaves. This gives them a quick nutrient boost.

Why It Works:

Magnesium is important for making chlorophyll, which keeps leaves green and helps plants turn sunlight into energy. Sulfate helps plants soak up nutrients from the soil to help plants grow stronger and have greener leaves, brighter flowers, and tastier fruits!

 

 

 

Things to Keep in Mind:

Don’t overdo it. While Epsom salt is helpful, too much will change the balance of nutrients in your soil. If you’re unsure, consider testing your soil first. Also, this hack won’t fix every plant problem; it’s great for magnesium deficiencies but isn’t a magic cure-all for struggling plants.

Visual Tip:

When mixing your watering solution, store it in a spray bottle or a brightly labeled watering can so it’s easy to grab and use as needed. Add a laminated reminder with the steps to your gardening kit—it might save you an extra Google search later!

 

Hack #2: Coffee Grounds for Acid-Loving Plants

If you’re like me, your day doesn’t start without coffee.   Coffee grounds are an excellent addition to soil, particularly for plants like azaleas, blueberries, and hydrangeas that thrive in more acidic conditions. ( If you aren’t using them in your garden, toss them in your compost bin)  Not all plants will benefit from coffee grounds. Only the ones needing acidic soil. 

How to Use:
After brewing your coffee, spread the grounds around the base of acid-loving plants in a thin layer.
Mix them lightly into the topsoil to prevent clumping.
For gentler effects, compost the grounds first and apply the compost when ready.

Why It Works
Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, which promotes lush vegetative growth. They also improve soil texture and may help discourage pests like slugs.

Visual Tip:

Warning: Avoid over-applying. Too much coffee can overly acidify the soil, reducing the growth of plants that prefer neutral pH. Always test your soil’s pH balance first with a kit.

 

 

Hack #3: Use Eggshells for Natural Fertilizer

Beyond pest control, eggshells can pull double duty as a natural fertilizer by adding calcium nutrients into the soil for healthier plants.

How to Use:
Collect and rinse your eggshells to remove any residue.
Allow them to fully dry, then grind into a fine powder using a mortar, pestle, or blender.
Sprinkle the powdered shells around the base of calcium-loving plants like peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants. Alternatively, mix it into your compost for slower release.

Why It Works
Eggshells primarily comprise calcium carbonate, which strengthens plant cell walls and supports their overall health. Over time, this nutrient reduces soil deficiencies and can even prevent disorders like blossom-end rot in tomatoes.

Visual Tip: Store powdered shells in a beautiful jar and keep it in your garden shed for easy access. It adds a touch of charm to repurposing scraps into natural solutions.

Warning: Calcium takes time to fully break down in the soil. Use this hack as a long-term strategy rather than a quick fix.

Hack #4: Shredded Newspaper as a Mulch Alternative

Mulch is essential for retaining soil moisture, blocking weeds, and maintaining an even soil temperature. But you don’t need costly store-bought materials. Items like shredded newspaper, straw, or cardboard can do the trick for a fraction of the cost. If you live in a rural area like we do and receive the local Pennysavers, those are great resources for your garden and washing windows! 

How to Use:
Shred old newspapers or cardboard into small, manageable pieces.
Spread a thin 1-2 inch layer around your plants.
Top it with organic materials like leaves or bark for additional protection and a more polished look.
Why It Works
Paper is biodegradable and acts as a barrier against weeds while helping the soil retain moisture. Used around nitrogen-fixing plants like beans, it also helps sustain nutrient-rich soil.

Visual Tip: Lay down newspaper before topping it with colorful leaf mulch. It’s garden chic and creates a layered look that screams “ready for an Instagram post.”

Warning: Avoid glossy, colored newspaper pages as they may contain harmful inks.

Hack #5: Use Cinnamon as a Natural Fungicide

Cinnamon might be your secret weapon if you’ve struggled with pesky fungal growth on your plants. This kitchen spice has antifungal properties that can help protect seedlings and other vulnerable plants.

How to Use:
Dust cinnamon powder lightly over the soil around infected or at-risk plants.
Sprinkle it directly on areas where fungal infections develop, such as cuts or damaged plant stems.
Use it preventatively on seed trays right after planting to discourage damping-off disease.

Why It Works
Cinnamon contains compounds like cinnamaldehyde that inhibit the growth of fungi. It’s a natural, non-toxic option for protecting your plants without resorting to harsh chemicals.

Visual Tip: Mix cinnamon with fine sand for a whimsical touch and create a ring of “protection” around each plant. It’s functional but makes your garden look intentionally styled.

Warning: Large amounts can build up in the soil, potentially affecting soil balance, so use sparingly.

Hack #6: Repurpose Household Items as Portable Planters

Being frugal is all about using things you already have. That pile you want to donate to Goodwill, see if you can turn it into a planter. I’m going to be using my chipped collander this year for some strawberry starts from the garden. These make great portable planters for herbs or small companion plants.

I found a great step by step on how to turn your collander into a planter here. 

How to Use:

Choose containers with drainage holes or create your own by carefully drilling small ones at the bottom.
Fill with soil appropriate for your plant’s needs.
Plant companions like basil with tomatoes or thyme with strawberries to maximize their paired benefits.

Why It Works
The extra drainage prevents overwatering, and the small size makes it easy to rearrange plants based on sunlight or companion needs. It’s also a fantastic way to reuse items that would otherwise go to the trash.

Visual Tip: Paint the containers in bright colors or leave them rustic for a vintage feel. Display them as a centerpiece on your patio or balcony garden.

Warning: Ensure food-safe materials when working near edible plants, and avoid using containers with chemical coatings.

Hack #7: Use Disposable Diapers as a Water Reservoir

This hack was shared on my viral potted plant post, and I love it! She’s been doing this for 20 years! It’s a good one, and I hope to do a video on TikTok for it soon.

How to Use:

• Start by layering some pebbles at the bottom of your pot for good drainage.
• Cut a square from a disposable diaper, just big enough to fit the base of your pot. The plastic side faces down.
• Place the diaper in the pot, then add your potting soil on top as usual before planting.

Why It Works:

The absorbent material inside the diaper retains water, creating a little reservoir for your plant’s roots to sip from as needed. Essentially, your plant gets to stay hydrated without you hovering over it with a watering can… constantly questioning your life choices.

Personal Perks:

• Water about once a week.
• Don’t have to worry if you go on vacation for a few days, the diaper will keep it moist.
• Use an off brand diaper pack! I grab a pack at Aldi for $6-$7.

Visual Tip:

When you pot an indoor plant, layer the pebbles, diaper, and soil in clear vessels for a cool, see-through “how it works” effect. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to see all the layers doing their thing.

Warning:

Keep this one to potted plants, they won’t break down if you stick them in your garden.

These techniques combine sustainability, creativity, and functionality to enhance your garden. Beyond saving money, they encourage you to work with what’s on hand, creating a personalized, thriving outdoor space. When paired with traditional companion planting practices like beans and tomatoes or marigolds with veggies, they result in a balanced and robust ecosystem.

Gardening isn’t just about growing plants; it’s about experimenting, learning, and finding what works best for your space. These quirky hacks are just the beginning. Which one will you try first? Or do you have your creative ideas to share?

Drop a comment below with your tips–I’d love to hear them.