I’m very excited to share my Top 5 gardening hacks that I wish I had known before to grow food in my previous urban garden in London. Though it is not limited to urban gardens, you can also apply these tips to any growing space and they will help you to get ready for the next season!
My main goal is to help people create as many green spaces as possible because soil can absorb carbon from the air, reducing carbon emissions and you’ll also reduce the amount of single-use packaging from the store.
Tip #1: Leave the Roots in the Ground
When your plant’s season ends, whether it’s a chili plant in a pot or a tomato in the ground, resist the urge to pull it out by the roots. Instead, cut it off at the base, leaving the roots in the soil.
This may sound strange, but those roots will break down and provide excellent fertilizer for your garden. The macro and microorganisms in the soil will convert those old roots into nutrient-dense nourishment for the next batch of plants. It’s like a natural recycling process taking place right beneath your feet!
Tip #2: Collect Dry Leaves for Leaf Mold
Next time you’re walking through a local park, grab a bag and collect some of those dry, fallen leaves. Store them in bags and let nature take its course.
Over time, these leaves will decompose into nutrient-rich leaf mold, which is an excellent addition to your plant soil. Leaf mold increases soil structure and water retention while also providing a slow-release source of nutrients. It’s like a magical potion for your plants and it is entirely free!
Tip #3: Prune Your Mint for a Stronger Return
If you happen to have mints growing in your garden, such as chocolate mint or peppermint, give it a good prune at the end of the season.
Cut it back totally and let it dormant for the winter. Spring will bring your mint back to life, stronger and more vibrant than before. It’s a simple trick that will keep your mint patch healthy and productive for years.
Tip #4: Manage Strawberry Runners
Strawberries are delicious, but they have a sneaky habit of attempting to take over your garden via runners. These are the long stalks they use to propagate themselves.
While it may appear that having too many runners is beneficial, it may reduce the energy of the parent plant, resulting in smaller and less delicious berries. Snip those runners to transfer the plant’s energy back into the root system, resulting in larger, sweeter strawberries.
Tip #5: Chop and Compost Your Plant Waste
When you clean up your garden at the end of the season, don’t just throw away the plant cuttings. Chop them into little pieces and place them in your compost container. To balance out the green debris, add some dry leaves or shredded cardboard, and then begin the composting process.
By the next season, you’ll have a rich, dark compost to feed your garden. It’s a great way to recycle plant waste while saving money on store-bought compost.
These top 5 hacks may sound simple, but I’m telling you that it’s a game-changer. I really wish I had known these things when I started my gardening journey! I know that gardening can be a little intimidating and challenging at first, but it’s really worth it!
Give these hacks a try and I’m confident that you’ll soon reap the rewards of your hard work.
Happy growing!
