Gardening can be a really rewarding hobby, but it can also be quite daunting for beginners. From knowing when to plant, how much to water, and dealing with pests, there is a lot to learn.
Thankfully, TikTok, the popular short-form video platform, is a treasure trove of useful tips and tricks that can turn even the greenest thumb into a seasoned gardener. This blog post will share ten TikTok gardening hacks that actually work, from maximizing your space to creating your own compost.
1. Coffee Grounds to Deter Pests
One popular TikTok hack involves using coffee grounds as a natural pest deterrent. Many users swear by this method, claiming that the caffeine and strong scent deter many common garden pests such as snails, slugs, and even cats!
To use this hack, save your used coffee grounds and sprinkle them around your plants. Not only will this keep pests at bay, but it also adds valuable nutrients to your soil, enhancing plant growth. It’s a win-win!
2. Use Eggshells as Seed Starters
Eggshells make excellent seed starters, according to another viral TikTok hack. They are natural, biodegradable, and packed with calcium, which can help your seedlings grow strong and healthy.
To use this hack, simply save your eggshells, rinse them out, and fill them with potting soil. Then, plant your seeds in the eggshells and watch them grow! When the seedlings are big enough, you can plant the whole eggshell into the ground. The shell will decompose and provide nutrients for your plants.
3. DIY Greenhouse with a Plastic Bottle
One TikTok user shared a clever trick for creating a mini greenhouse using just a plastic bottle. This hack is perfect for starting seeds or protecting sensitive plants from harsh weather.
Simply cut a plastic bottle in half, plant your seedlings in the bottom half, and then use the top half as a lid to create a humid environment that promotes growth. This hack is not only effective but also a great way to recycle plastic bottles.
4. Use Cinnamon to Prevent Fungus
Cinnamon isn’t just for baking—it’s also a natural antifungal according to one TikTok tip. Sprinkling cinnamon on your seedlings can help prevent disease and fungus, which is especially useful for indoor potted plants.
To implement this hack, just dust your soil with a small amount of cinnamon after planting your seeds. The cinnamon prevents fungus growth and deters gnats, keeping your plants healthy and bug-free.
5. Regrow Scraps from the Kitchen
Did you know you can regrow many vegetables from scraps? Numerous TikTok users have shared their success with regrowing items like lettuce, celery, and green onions using just a glass of water!
Simply place the base of the vegetable in a glass with a small amount of water, then wait for new growth to appear. Once it does, you can transplant it into soil. This hack reduces waste and provides you with an endless supply of vegetables.
6. Use Vinegar to Kill Weeds
Vinegar is a powerful, natural weed killer according to another popular TikTok hack. Rather than using harsh chemicals, simply spray undiluted vinegar on the weeds you want to kill.
This hack is especially effective for weeds growing in cracks in your pavement or driveway. Just be sure not to spray it on plants you want to keep, as vinegar can kill them too.
7. Use a Sponge to Preserve Moisture
A TikTok user shared a hack for using a sponge at the bottom of plant pots to help preserve moisture. The sponge absorbs water and releases it slowly, keeping the soil moist for longer periods.
This hack is particularly helpful for plants that require a lot of water or for those times when you forget to water your plants. Just place a sponge at the bottom of the pot before adding your soil and plant.
8. DIY Compost with Kitchen Scraps
Composting is a great way to reduce waste and enrich your soil, and it’s easier than you think. Many TikTok users have shared their tips for creating compost bins using just kitchen scraps and a plastic container.
To start composting, just save your fruit and vegetable scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Avoid adding meat, dairy, or diseased plants. Then, place these scraps in a container and let nature do its work! Over time, you’ll have rich, nutrient-filled compost for your garden.
9. Use a Potato to Propagate Roses
One TikTok user shared a fascinating hack for propagating roses using a potato. The potato provides moisture and nutrients, helping the rose cutting to develop roots.
To use this hack, simply make a hole in a potato, insert your rose cutting, and then plant the whole thing in soil. With a bit of patience, you’ll soon have a new rose bush growing in your garden!
10. Use a Fork to Deter Animals
Lastly, many TikTok users have found success deterring animals from their garden using just a fork. Simply stick a plastic fork in the ground near your plants. The prongs sticking up will discourage animals like cats and dogs from digging or laying in your garden.
This hack is a humane way to keep animals from damaging your plants, and it’s a great way to put old, mismatched forks to use. Just be sure to place them where they won’t pose a hazard to people or pets.