8 Old-School Gardening Hacks Professional Gardeners Swear By

With all the newfangled gadgets and tricks that make gardening easier—like apps that tell you when to water your plants or fancy grow lights that supercharge your sprouts—sometimes you have to remind yourself that old school hacks can be just as effective. From scattering this morning’s coffee grounds to ward off pesky intruders or transforming an empty wine bottle into a slow, steady watering tool, these old school gardening hacks work, and they’re proof that sometimes simplicity is king. 

Make Seed Starts From Eggshells 

Instead of buying plastic seed trays, crack your eggs carefully and use the shells as tiny, biodegradable planters. “They hold moisture well, provide a little calcium boost, and when the seedlings are ready, you can plant the whole thing right into the soil,” says Valeria Nyman, gardening expert and chief product officer at Taim.io. 

She says to poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage while it’s growing (you can use a needle), then crush the shell a bit before planting so your roots can break through. 

Another perk of using eggshells is that slugs and other soft-bodied pests can’t pass over them, adds Jeremy Yamaguchi, the CEO of Lawn Love. You can even crush a bunch and sprinkle over the soil around your plants.

Mash Banana Peels for Healthy Roses 

So many kitchen scraps can help your garden thrive, and banana peels are a perfect example of this. 

“Banana peels are packed with potassium, calcium, and phosphorus which are nutrients that promote strong roots and more vibrant blooms in rose plants,” says Andrew Porwol, a seasoned gardener and founder of Sapcote Garden Centre. “Chop the peels into smaller pieces and bury them near the base of your rose bushes instead of throwing them away. This will also improve soil texture and make the rose plant healthier over time.”

Use an Old Wine Bottle to Slowly Water Plants 

Finally! A cute and effective way to upcycle last night’s bottle of wine. Using an old wine bottle to water plants harnesses gravity to create a slow, steady drip that nurtures roots over time. Clean the bottle thoroughly, fill it with water, and invert it into the soil next to your plant, ensuring the opening is slightly buried. 

The narrow neck acts as a natural regulator, releasing water gradually to maintain consistent soil moisture. This simple, eco-friendly method minimizes water waste while promoting healthy root growth.

Add Coffee Grounds to Your Compost to Deter Pests 

Don’t throw away those coffee grounds so fast—they can help your garden grow! “Coffee grounds work to deter slugs and other pests with their aroma, are high in the nutrients needed by the plants in your garden, and they improve soil structure,” says Lauren Craig, a gardening expert from Humble Hive Consulting. “They can be added as a ‘nitrogen’ ingredient in your compost pile, but be sure that coffee grounds don’t exceed 20% of your pile’s composition. This might upset plants desiring a less acidic environment.” 

Create a Drip Line with an Old Hose 

Installing drip irrigation is an expensive and timely endeavor, but a garden hose with some carefully added punctures can do the job perfectly. 

“Drip lines allow you to direct water directly into the soil around your plants throughout the day, strategically,” Yamaguchi says. “All you really need is some kind of water line that has individual small holes along it, and while you can buy a drip line, you can also use an old hose and poke the holes yourself.” 

He says to use a ¼-inch drill bit to make the holes. This is also a great way to repurpose a hose that already has a leak or hole in it. 

Build a “Lazy Compost” Trench 

Forget cumbersome compost bins, stinky piles of kitchen scraps, or splurge-y compost solutions. All you need is a small spade and you’re good to go.  

“Just dig a shallow trench in your garden, toss in your kitchen scraps (no meat or dairy), cover with soil, and let the worms and microbes do their thing,” Nyman says. “This is nature’s slow cooker for compost. A few months later, the soil is rich, loose, and full of nutrients.” Just make sure to rotate where you bury scraps so the whole garden gets a feast over time.

Sprinkle Epsom Salt to Nourish Plants 

You love Epsom salt for its muscle-relaxing abilities when taking a bath or soaking your feet, and your garden can enjoy the benefits, too. 

“Magnesium and sulfur are plant gold, and Epsom salt is packed with both,” Nyman says. “Sprinkle a tablespoon around tomato, pepper, and rose plants, or dissolve it in water for a foliar spray. This boosts chlorophyll production, making leaves greener and stronger.”

Another perk is that it helps prevent blossom-end rot—that annoying black spot on tomatoes. Just don’t overdo it! Once a month is plenty.

Repurpose Old Newspaper to Protect Your Plants 

Before mulching, lay down a thick layer of newspaper or cardboard around your plants. “It smothers weeds, holds moisture, and breaks down over time to enrich the soil,” Nyman explains. “Wet the newspaper first so it stays in place while you mulch over it. And if you’re using cardboard, avoid the glossy stuff—it doesn’t break down as nicely.”