9 GARDENING HACKS That Actually Work 

That's hilarious! Wish you could post that pic here.

That is just cool!

I love clover. And your story.

That sounds so wonderful 😍😍can you please upload it? 🥰

Sweet❤

True scythes are great, I had to use an old one last year and the blade was not that good but it worked fine. With a good blade it must be a pleasure ! Not to use electricity, energy, plastic etc But I think that advertising always win😢 and people still buy unusefull machines that screw up our beautiful world. The important things is to fullfill us with the power of simplicity: ) (Hope my writing ok, i am french: )

@@mychkineplot7677 Your writing is fantastic! The trick to a scythe is that it has to be sized to you and the blade has to be the right kind for what you're wanting to cut. Get either of those wrong, and it'll definitely leave a bad impression with you. Today, thankfully, we have places like RU-vid where folks can tell their own story. Once you see someone using a scythe to cut the grass in their small back yard, it gets you wondering why you can't do the same and save on all the hassle of using string trimmers and push mowers. And when you can see that the scythe beats those new-fangled contraptions, it's almost too good! I'm a fan of the Eastern European straight-handled scythes. They feel pretty natural since we're all used to sweeping floors, plus it's nice being able to make your handle from any straight sapling you might run across. It's fascinating to watch the videos from Eastern Europe, where regular guys are using the scythe to tend regular homes with regular messes. Because communism had them locked up tight for so long, they had to keep to the old traditions, and you can see that the scythe is every bit at efficient as anything we might use in the West. And it's a whole lot more economical. No ear-splitting noise. No fumes. No plastic or packaging. One handle and one blade.... and you're set for life. You don't get much better for the environment than that. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-UQ9O8NOS3Ag.html The problem is that we don't yet have enough Storytellers to spread the word.

And, on larger lawns, just cut wide walk ways. Makes a great place for kiddos to play hide and seek!

Actually, scythes are still used in parts of the Alpes (in Europe) where is too steep for machines. As blades (try blades from Austrian manufactureres) are available in various sizes and thicknesses, you can cut quite a range of plants with them, not only gras.

@@leonlowenstadter9223 That's true, and was the inspiration for me. Some of my favorite channels on youtube are gents throughout Europe who still use the scythe. I think the lesson here is that it shows us how the scythe is still exceptionally practical and effective. And that people throughout the Western Nations have been convinced of a lie. If it wasn't for those channels here on RU-vid showing the efficacy of the scythe, who would believe it? Here in the US, at least, we've all been taught that scythes are antiquated, and were only really ever used for harvesting crops in the fields. Nobody even thinks about using a scythe around their small yard. The idea never enters their minds. I know I sure never considered it, and studying the Traditional Trades has been a part of my life for all of my life! It's crazy, really. When you see one or two guys on youtube using a scythe, a fella might be able to write it off as just quirky personalities wanting to do something different regardless of how effective it is. When you see dozens, and all of them are just average joes, regular guys with regular lives, that begins to change the flavor of what you're seeing. That's the power of the Storyteller, and why I use the scythe to illustrate how quickly and easily culture is lost. It might not seem like much, almost a triviality, but those little things add up.

Me too!

me tooo!

Love this!

And keep s heart longer

I just moved a bunch of big rocks in my yard to key edges of garden beds, to protect plants from my garden hose. 🎉😊

These both were my favourites too!

I liked the best specially the copper ones

Great Video! Have you considered a worm farm for a "gardening hack"? they create the best fertilizer in the world! I raise millions of worms for fertilizer for my garden, and to teach others how to care for them :)

Same! So adorable! I loved the idea of using really pretty pots for the hose guards and the teacups for seedlings was SO cute!!! That coat hanger/copper flashing label idea IS going to happen here!!

I wouldn't use aluminium for that's ect. Aluminium causes Alzheimer's. I did alit of research on this.

I've got access to single serve cereal cups, they need several holes drilled but very durable & white so they don't get as hot as the black pots do. I'm gonna try some small side holes, thanks!

Me too!,

I use sour cream containers. Since I can't get sour cream in glass I feel like reusing these plastic containers are a good step to reducing my carbon footprint.

We resuse a lot of cans from soups/veggies/fruits, and also I've found reusing yogurt containers works out well, too!

Isn’t that a delightful addition to any seed-starting set up? I need to hit the shops and see if I can find one for my own garden.

I just use Tupperware or a bowl with a late on top (for dark). Never even thought about getting an object specifically for that purpose. 😄

Me also. I have a couple i can use also.

I use plastic cake containers, that once held a cake, from the grocery store. Mini green houses! Work great for seed propagation. And I use the cardboard egg cartoons for seed starting. When it is time, plant the individual cardboard shells, as they will biodegrade when planted in the garden. The roots grow right through the cardboard. That way you don't disturb the roots when planting, at all. You can also plant seeds in old egg shells. And when it's time just plant the shell and all! I usually give the shell at 'in the ground' planting time a light crack to allow the roots to grow out, but the shell dissolves in the ground. The shell provides calcium which is esp good for tomatoes--- it helps prevent blosson end rot.

No Wire HANGERS....EVER! 😂

Thanks for the spelling and definition. I looked for it but spelled it wrong.

Thank you. I also glad you found the hose hack useful

You may want to try heavier sticks than the hangers for that. Old lampshade structures may work well for peonies as a support

For peonies, I have to use something much heavier. I take pieces of welded horse fencing and cut it just wide enough to make a circle around the plant, and tall enough to support it. Then I cut the bottom edge so it has tines I can push into the ground to keep it in place. My peonies get really big, except last year when everything got pummeled to the ground in a vicious hale storm. Fingers crossed most if them come back.

Not being snarky but I'd like to know if they ever spontaneously combust

Oh good idea!

That is also a great way of solving that problem. And yes, I need to plant more milkweed for the monarch’s. They are a very reliable perennial as well.

I use the green, very thin bamboo rods. They last several years. But if they rot, just cut the rot off and make shorter sticks, for shorter plants! Or just insert the sticks upsidedown for the same length sticks! The rotten, fuzzy ends blend in with the plants just fine.

Story of my life, I too will be using this very useful hack

Hi Bruce. Try putting a piece of masking tape over permanent marker writing to protect it from washing off. This works on things like glass jars that you might eventually want to relabel. When you are done, you can remove the packing tape and take some alcohol to the markings to remove them and start over.

I usually use Popcicle sticks for ours

@@Ace-1525 I tried that but even permanent marker smudged and ran. Maybe a paint pen?

@@brucetidwell7715 the paint pens work well.

Push mowers are easier than charging batteries these days. And way easier than cords. Self sharping models. Way different than the 1960s type with dull blades my parents insisted I use on the too tall grass. Don’t get the cheapest one though. Just about 250 on sale.

I looked all over the house for my cat 😆

same cat response!

I don't even have a cat and, still, I sat up and thought about letting the cat in when I heard that meowing!

hahaha!! The cat !! I was just now wondering why my cat was meowing while she was inside! You just solved my issue! LOL

Thank you so much Brian! I’m glad you liked the tips. I did also grow a couple of lettuce amongst onions as an experiment, as you taught me, and they grew well. That tip will probably go into an onion episode..

They would be perfect for succulents!

What is the best way to drill holes in teacups? I’d love to make use of items I already have at home 😊 thank you!

@@JessicaHolmes There's a small drill bit (1/4") made for ceramic/glass. You need to put a little water in the bottom of the cup while drilling. FYI, some cups will break, no matter how careful you are, so I wouldn't recommend trying this with your absolute favorites. I lose 1 cup for every 10-20ish successful drills. Good luck!

@@mdipeace haha thank you for the warning! I have some that are chipped at the top, so if I lose those it won’t hurt. Ok, great! Water. I’ve seen people do that when sawing tile. Makes total sense!

@@JessicaHolmes hey! Try starting the drilling at an angle and slowly put It straight, It helps a lot. If you are gonna drill glass submerge it in water, It Will help with the breakeage and if It ends breaking glass will not fly everywere

This should really help with seed starting. I’m glad you liked the tags, they can really help keep track of overwintering tubers and bulbs like dahlias

Suburban homestead - do you find yourself getting cut by the aluminum pieces? Any tips on how to keep that from happening?

@@digsindirt4490 Maybe you could cut the piece large enough to fold in the edges, then fold it in half, so all the edges are inside (& wear gloves or handle with pliers while making them).

That is true, especially if you can source a tar free copper foil and include a metal tooling stylus.

Amen! and finally a way to make labels that I don't have to RE-write each one every season from the print that fades out in the sun!

@@suburbanhomestead Indeed, a wonderful idea!

That’s very encouraging to hear. Do you think the garden design angle with some frugal solutions is the right angle?

@@suburbanhomestead I think any direction will be informed, and inspired. I like the idea of expanding on what you’ve done here on the channel. Your garden 🪴 successes, lessons and some lovely historical treasures. Of course it must have your beautiful art as well your iconic photography. I will buy that book! You have an abundant spirit and that is evident in your videos and your garden. There are moments of reflection and a blissful vibrancy of colors in your work. I think your book will be magical! Obrigada! Keep on going Siloe🪴🪴🪴🪴🪴🪴

@@suburbanhomestead I second that motion!

@@suburbanhomestead I doubt if frugal people are a good book market. You might want to lspin your frugal tips as being crafty or elegantly homey. I haven't watched your other videos but apart from your knowledge, I suspect you'd be selling your esthetic. Good luck to you. I very much enjoyed your tips :)

Thanks David✌️I tried applying all the observations I made over the years on RU-vid, and understanding better who my audience is and what they look for. That and a lucky strike helped propel the algorithm. Thank you for listing to my ramblings my friend!

Exactly.

Political and religious sports 🏀 army … marines … all this racing shitttt killing using native innocent people Mens and transgenders are not welcome in my humanitarian assistance My only work for women and children We will clean our planet 🌎 And we are ready With everything to kick you out as pigs 🐖 Terrorist danger ⚠️ animals for the public social security We women ask for justice for this pigs killing our dreams, our career, children …. This are terrorists and we need protection. …. They don’t protect they are hurting us themselves…. All this pigs 🐖 Make me sick with the same passion I used to se them as good people … in one month I see this pigs face to face and I see animals with no heart ❤️ no feelings … they love planing animate games so let them all that shitttt far 5 galaxies away from womens in need of help to keep them away with auto-self-defense this pigs 🐖 will be cook from inside out fast in a Second for looking for us and terrorizing us …

I have the Ryobi as well. And my lawn is getting smaller and smaller so no worries about the battery life!

Thank you so much. It’s only been possible because of the support of all of you.

That is exactly how I felt when I watched this video! I subscribed and I sent a link to this video to my gardening friends.

Thanks for such positive feedback, my friend.

Don't you think the pots will break very easily? They are not very sturdy. Just doesn't seem like a practical idea!