Love plants and flowers and sitting in your own green oasis, but hate bending over sweating doing back breaking work? That’s okay because there are plenty of great gardening hacks that will help you keep your green space looking lush and beautiful, without all of the effort…
1. The Magic of Mulch
Mulch—it’s not just what your grandpa natters on about. Mulch is basically a protective cover for soil. It keeps moisture in, suppresses weeds (take that, unwanted green intruders!), and feeds your soil as it breaks down. Plus, it gives your garden that ‘just had a makeover’ look. Choose organic mulch like bark, straw, or well-rotted manure for bonus eco-points!
2. Blow Those Leaves
Who has the time to rake leaves? Enter the leaf blower—a gardener’s best mate. This nifty gadget can save you loads of time and prevent what I like to call ‘Rake Rage’. Use it to corral leaves into a pile in no time. Just be sure to choose a battery-operated model to keep things green and serene. Afterwards, those leaves can go straight into the compost bin, turning them into gold for your garden.
3. Compost Like a Boss
Speaking of compost, it’s basically black gold for gardeners. Compost is not so much a gardening hack but a lifestyle habit. Start piling up your kitchen scraps (think fruit peels, veggie leftovers, coffee grounds) and garden waste. Then, let the magic of decomposition do its thing. In a few months, you’ll have nutrient-rich compost to boost your plants without the need for chemical fertilisers. It’s like giving your plants a health shake, minus the kale! Read our Compost Guide for more tips.
4. Plant Perennials
Want flowers that come back year after year without you having to replant them? Perennials are your garden allies. These are the plants that keep on giving, flowering every year, reducing the need for buying new plants annually. Lavender, sedum, and geraniums not only add colour but also bring bees and butterflies to your garden. It’s a win-win!
5. Watering Wisely
Let’s talk water—no, not the rain dances you do hoping for a shower. I’m talking about smart watering. Invest in a water butt to collect rainwater, and use it to water your plants. It’s better for the environment and your water bill. Also, watering in the early morning or late evening reduces evaporation. Your plants get more to drink, and you use less water. Smart, right?
6. Group Plants with Similar Thirst Levels
Not all plants are created equal when it comes to thirst. Group your plants by how much water they gulp down. This way, you can avoid overwatering some while under-watering others. It’s like putting teetotallers and party animals at the same table—doesn’t work, does it?
7. Go Native
Choosing native plants is like choosing a local pub over a tourist trap—it just makes sense. Native plants are adapted to your climate and soil, which means they need less pampering from you. They’re tougher, more resilient, and get by with less fuss. Plus, they help support local wildlife. What’s not to love?
8. DIY Pest Control
Pests. The uninvited guests at every garden party. Before you reach for chemicals, try some DIY solutions. Garlic, hot pepper, or even beer can keep pests at bay. Yes, slugs love beer! Just sink a container into the soil, fill it with beer, and watch the slugs come hither. It’s a party they’ll never leave.
9. Lazy Lawncare
Lawns can be high maintenance, but here’s a lazy tip: raise your mower’s blade. Cutting grass a bit taller makes it healthier and reduces the need for frequent watering. It also shades out weeds—less mowing, fewer weeds, more time for that hammock.
Read our Easy Fuide to Environmentally-Friendly Lawncare
10. The No-Dig Border
Borders are essential for a neat garden, but who says you need to break your back digging them? Try a no-dig border using materials like stones, bricks, or even recycled bottles laid down at the edges of your garden beds. This method locks in your garden design, keeps grass from invading your flowerbeds, and gives your garden a crisp, organized look—all without turning a single spade!
11. Rain Garden Rendezvous
Why not create a rain garden? This clever addition to your gardening repertoire involves positioning a garden in a natural runoff area. By using deep-rooted native plants and grasses, you can capture runoff from rooftops, driveways, and other hard surfaces to prevent erosion and water pollution. Not only does a rain garden manage water sustainably, but it also provides a unique ecological habitat for local wildlife. It’s a low-maintenance setup that handles the water management for you, beautifies your space, and supports the environment—all in one go!
12. Automatic Sprinkler System DIY
Think automatic sprinkler systems are too high-tech for the casual gardener? Think again. You can set up a simple system using a timer, with the help of residential irrigation services. From your own mobile, you can select when you want the system on and can customize the routine throughout the year. This little setup can be a game-changer during dry spells, and it’s a lot easier on your schedule and the environment than manual watering.
13. Moonlight Gardening
For a truly magical garden experience, consider planting a moonlight garden. Choose plants with white or light-coloured flowers and foliage that glow under the moonlight. Think white roses, silver lamb’s ears, or light lavender. These plants not only add a whimsical touch but also enhance your garden’s visibility at night, perfect for those who love a midnight stroll or simply admire their garden by the moonlight.
14. Embrace the Wild
Finally, if all else fails, why not embrace a bit of wilderness? Letting parts of your garden go slightly wild can create a haven for wildlife and bring a natural charm. It’s less work for you and a bonus home for birds, bees, and butterflies.
Gardening shouldn’t feel like a chore or a second job, and with these simple hacks, it never will, and what’s more, you’ll have your most beautiful garden yet!
