Plant Marigolds to Keep Pests Away
Back in the ’70s, gardeners discovered that marigolds weren’t just cheerful—they were natural pest deterrents. Planting these bright, happy flowers in your garden can help keep aphids, whiteflies, and even rabbits at bay. The best part? They’re low maintenance and add a pop of color to your garden.
Use Coffee Grounds to Enrich Your Soil
If your morning coffee ritual involves tossing the grounds, here’s a throwback hack for you. Gardeners back then knew that coffee grounds could add nitrogen to the soil, which plants love. Just sprinkle them around your plants or mix them into the soil for a nutrient boost. Plus, it’s a great way to reuse something you’d normally throw out!
Recycle Eggshells as Natural Fertilizer
Who knew eggshells could be such a garden game-changer? Crushed eggshells are rich in calcium and can help strengthen the cell walls of your plants. Scatter them around your plants or mix them into the soil to promote healthier growth. This hack from the ’70s also helps deter pests like slugs and snails.
Make DIY Compost with Kitchen Scraps
Before composting became a trend, savvy ’70s gardeners were using kitchen scraps to make DIY compost. Save your veggie peels, coffee grounds, and even shredded newspaper to build up a rich compost pile. It’s an easy way to cut down on waste while adding rich nutrients to your garden soil.
Use Milk for Mildew Problems
Powdery mildew is the bane of many gardeners, but the ’70s had a surprising solution: milk! A milk spray can help treat mildew naturally without harsh chemicals. Mix one part milk with nine parts water and spray it on your plants to keep the mildew at bay. It’s gentle on the plants and budget-friendly.
Water with Leftover Cooking Water
People in the ’70s found a simple way to boost plant health—using cooled-down cooking water! It’s a natural fertilizer since leftover water from cooking veggies is packed with vitamins and minerals. Just be sure to let it cool before you pour it onto your plants. Your garden will thank you for the extra nutrients.
Mulch with Newspaper
If you’ve got weeds taking over, a stack of newspapers can save the day! In the ’70s, gardeners would lay down newspapers around their plants to create a natural weed barrier. Cover the paper with a little mulch to hold it down, and it will smother those pesky weeds while keeping your soil moist.
Make a DIY Drip Irrigation System
A classic water-saving trick from the ’70s involved making a simple drip irrigation system with an old milk jug. Poke a few small holes in the bottom of a jug, fill it with water, and bury it halfway in the soil near your plants. This slow-release method helps keep roots hydrated while conserving water—perfect for dry spells!
Banana Peels as Rose Food
People back in the day loved their roses, and one of their secret tricks was using banana peels. Bananas are high in potassium, which is great for flowering plants like roses. Simply bury a banana peel at the base of the plant, and let it break down. Your roses will be stronger and bloom with more vibrant colors.
Repurpose Glass Jars for Seed Starters
Before we had fancy seed-starting kits, gardeners in the ’70s used what they had: glass jars. Simply place soil and a few seeds in a jar, then cover it with plastic wrap to create a mini greenhouse. This hack not only cuts costs but also makes it easy to monitor growth. Plus, it’s a fun way to give those jars new life.