Gardening doesn’t always follow the rulebook. Sometimes, the most unexpected tricks—the kind passed down over generations—end up making the biggest difference. These eight “weird” garden remedies might sound strange, but they’ve earned their spot in tool sheds and backyard beds around the world.
1. Bury Banana Peels
Instead of tossing them in the trash, tuck banana peels into your garden beds. As they break down, they feed the soil with potassium and phosphorus—two nutrients that help flowers bloom and fruits develop strong and sweet.
2. Sprinkle Epsom Salt on Soil
Magnesium sulfate, found in Epsom salt, helps boost growth in tomatoes, peppers, and roses. Just a spoonful around the base of each plant strengthens stems and encourages more blooms.
3. Use Crushed Eggshells for Pest Control
Crushed eggshells not only add calcium to the soil but also act as a physical barrier. Slugs and snails hate crawling over the sharp edges, giving your tender greens a better chance.
4. Water with Coffee Grounds
Used coffee grounds improve soil texture and add nitrogen—a vital nutrient for leafy greens. Just don’t overdo it. Mix into compost or sprinkle lightly around acid-loving plants like blueberries or hydrangeas.
5. Stick Pennies in the Soil to Fight Fungus
Old copper pennies have natural antifungal properties. Push a few into the soil near plants prone to mildew and watch them thrive with fewer disease issues.
6. Spray Plants with Diluted Milk
Yes—milk. Mix one part milk with two parts water and spray it on your plants. It’s surprisingly effective against powdery mildew and can also boost calcium in the soil.
7. Use Hair Clippings as Mulch
Human or pet hair sprinkled around the garden deters rabbits and other nibblers. As a bonus, it decomposes slowly and adds nitrogen as it breaks down.
8. Bury Fish Scraps Beneath Plants
Native gardeners have done it for centuries—burying fish remains beneath crops. It’s a potent, slow-release fertilizer packed with nutrients. Just be sure to bury them deep enough to avoid pests.
Adding a few of these oddball tricks to your gardening routine might feel unconventional—but your plants won’t complain.