There ’s a mickle of gardening advice floating around — some of it helpful , some of it … not so much . It ’s easy to fall for a trick that foretell to make thing soft , cheap , or faster , especially when it belt down up on social media or gets passed along by a well - meaning supporter . But not all hacks are make equal , and some can actually do more harm than good .

From burying banana peels to irrigate with leftover pasta water system , many of these so - prognosticate shortcuts speech sound clever at first . The problem is , a lot of them either do n’t shape the way mass think they do , or they create Modern problem altogether . rather of relying on doohickey , it helps to realize what your flora really need — and make choices that support healthy , long - term growing .

Coffee Grounds for Acidic Soil

Sprinkling burnt umber grounds in your garden is supposed to acidulate the stain . However , research shows they do n’t importantly neuter pH levels . Moreover , coffee grounds can compress and foreclose piss assimilation , make more harm than estimable .

Instead , try using sulfur or peat moss to effectively depressed ground pH. These materials are proven to be more effective in creating the acidic environment that sealed flora require .

If you still want to utilize coffee land , study adding them to your compost pile where they can contribute to overall alimentary content instead of pH change .

15 Common Gardening Hacks That Don’t Work (And What to Do Instead)

Eggshells as Pest Deterrents

shell eggshells are often swash as a instinctive plague hindrance to keep slugs and snails at bay . Unfortunately , most pests easy navigate over them , rendering them unable .

A good solution is using copper color tape or diatomaceous ground . These methods have been shown to physically deter clout and snail more successfully .

While eggshell may not discourage pesterer effectively , they are excellent for composting . They add atomic number 20 to your compost , which is beneficial for the dirt when eventually spread in your garden .

Coffee Grounds for Acidic Soil

© Kellogg Garden Products

Burying Banana Peels for Nutrients

Burying banana peels in the garden seems like an easy fashion to add nutrients . However , they decompose slowly and can attract pests .

rather , chop up banana Robert Peel and add them to your compost bin . This method hie up decomposition , allow good food like atomic number 19 to integrate into your compost more efficiently .

Your plant will do good more from compost banana peels than raw unity buried straight off in the ground . It ’s a unproblematic duty period that turn a political hack into a helpful habit for your garden .

Coffee Grounds for Acidic Soil

Using Vinegar as a Weed Killer

Vinegar is often suggest as a natural weed grampus . While it can kill weeds , it also affects any plant it reach by alter grease pH.

A more good feeler is using boiling body of water straight on weeds , which pour down them without interpolate soil condition . instead , opt for organic commercial-grade Mary Jane Orcinus orca designed to target specific weeds .

If you settle to use acetum , apply it cautiously and sparingly , ensuring it only get through undesirable plants . This minimizes damage to surround flora in your garden .

Eggshells as Pest Deterrents

© Gardening Know How

Planting Marigolds to Repel All Pests

Marigolds are often planted with the belief that they force back a panoptic range of pests . While they can deter some nematode worm , they do n’t affect most vulgar garden pests .

For a more comprehensive pestis control , consider companion plant with a variety of herb and efflorescence . Basil , mint , and cive can offer more efficient deterrence for a range of insects .

Though marigolds are n’t a cure - all , they are adorable additions to the garden , provide bright colors and attracting beneficial pollinator like butterflies .

Eggshells as Pest Deterrents

Sugar as a Fertilizer

The conception of using sugar as fertilizer stems from its saccharide subject . However , boodle does not take the necessary nutrients works require and can contribute to mold growth .

To enrich your soil , trust on organic fertilizer or well - moulder manure . These provide essential nutrient like atomic number 7 , phosphorus , and K without the minus side core .

While wampum may seem like a sweet-smelling solution , your garden will thrive better with a balanced , nutrient - copious fertilizer that support works health and emergence .

Burying Banana Peels for Nutrients

© Home & Texture

Aspirin in Watering Can for Plant Health

Adding aspirin to your watering can is believe to hike up plant immunity . In realness , studies show mixed results , and aspirin could potentially harm unseasoned plant .

rather , concentrate on maintaining sizeable spring up conditions with right lacrimation , sunlight , and soil nutrients . These foundational practices are central to nurture rich plant life health .

Healthy plants course jib disease , negating the need for experimental remedies . keep your Bayer for headaches , and permit traditional horticulture practices run your works caution act .

Burying Banana Peels for Nutrients

Soap as a Deer Repellent

Hanging soap from trees is a common hack to dissuade deer , but its effectiveness varies and look on specific luck like cervid population and hunger .

A more consistent hinderance regard using physical barriers like fencing or motion - activated sprinkler . These methods are reliable and adaptable to different garden sizes .

While soap may proffer a pleasant scent to human , it ’s not a unfailing deterrent for deer . empower in more robust solutions will ensure your garden remains succulent and untouched by these aristocratic grazers .

Using Vinegar as a Weed Killer

© Carolina Honeybees

Putting Ice Cubes on Potted Plants

Placing ice cube on potted plants is touted as a lacrimation hack , peculiarly for orchids . However , it can shock plant life roots and extend to inconsistent moisture levels .

A in force approach is regular , control lacrimation that matches the specific indigence of your plant . This ensures they encounter a coherent moisture supply without the peril of cold jar .

Consistent care rather than quick fix nurtures hefty plant . Avoid the gelid chill and choose for a lacrimation routine that supports robust growth and vibrant flush .

Using Vinegar as a Weed Killer

Using Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

Baking sodium carbonate is often recommend to make tomato angelical by reduce soil acidity . However , there ’s no scientific evidence to support this call , and it may harm soil balance .

For naturally sweet tomatoes , choose the veracious smorgasbord and assure they receive adequate sunlight , water , and nutrient . This approach yields flavourous produce without risking soil health .

An informed option of tomato miscellany paired with skillful horticulture practices will consistently develop the mellifluous , juicy tomato plant you crave without relying on unproved hack .

Planting Marigolds to Repel All Pests

© This Is My Garden

Plastic Forks for Pest Control

insert plastic fork into the footing is supposed to discourage pests like cats and small animals . Unfortunately , many animals simply pilot around them , rendering them more of an eyesore than a solution .

Instead , consider natural deterrent like cayenne pepper or commercial animal repellent . These options are more effective and eco - well-disposed equate to plastic wastefulness in your garden .

While plastic forks are a creative melodic theme , they hang short of expectations . Rely on innate solutions for a cuss - innocent garden that respects both the surround and its inhabitants .

Planting Marigolds to Repel All Pests

Epsom Salt for Greener Plants

Epsom salt is often used to upgrade fleeceable plants by increase Mg levels . However , unless your soil is lacking in atomic number 12 , this hack is unnecessary and can contribute to nutrient imbalances .

Conduct a grime run to determine if magnesium is necessitate . If it is , apply Epsom salt consequently . Otherwise , focus on comprehensive soil wellness with balanced plant food .

understand your soil ’s needs secure a flourishing garden . Spare the Epsom salt unless it really gain your plants , and enjoy a verdant landscape inform by science .

Sugar as a Fertilizer

© WECB

Hydrogen Peroxide for Root Rot

Using hydrogen peroxide to cover root guff seems logical due to its antifungal properties . Yet , it can harm beneficial soil organism and lead to ascendant damage if misuse .

For beginning rot , first savoir-faire drainage return and avert overwatering . If ask , repot affected plants in sweet , well - run out soil .

Prioritize preventative measures over reactive resolution . sizeable , well - drain grunge is the best defence against root rot , keeping your works vibrant and disease - gratuitous without resorting to harsh chemical substance .

Sugar as a Fertilizer

Boiling Water to Kill Weed Seeds

Boiling water is a nimble mess to kill airfoil weed and seeds , but it can also harm good soil organisms and plant roots .

Consider using mulch to suppress weed increase naturally . Mulch not only prevents sess but also retains soil moisture and improve fertility .

Balance immediate results with long - term benefit for a palmy garden environs . Mulch make a nurturing dry land that supports plant sprightliness and battle weed without damaging crucial soil life .

Aspirin in Watering Can for Plant Health

© Apartment Therapy

Using Newspaper for Weed Barrier

Newspapers as sens barriers are popular , but they often take down quickly and can check ink harmful to the soil .

choose for landscape cloth or else , which is designed to hinder locoweed while allowing melodic line and piddle penetration . This option is indestructible and environmentally safe .

While recycling newsprint is admirable , ensuring garden health postulate more lively and non - toxic solutions . Use purpose - built materials to keep a tidy garden free from incursive grass .

Aspirin in Watering Can for Plant Health

Soap as a Deer Repellent

© House Digest

Putting Ice Cubes on Potted Plants

© Handimania

Putting Ice Cubes on Potted Plants

Using Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

© Gardening Know How

Using Baking Soda for Sweeter Tomatoes

Plastic Forks for Pest Control

© House Digest

Plastic Forks for Pest Control

Epsom Salt for Greener Plants

© Ugaoo

Hydrogen Peroxide for Root Rot

© Humboldts Secret Supplies

Boiling Water to Kill Weed Seeds

© Bob Vila

Using Newspaper for Weed Barrier

© Ugly Duckling House