If you are looking for new ideas for your garden this year, there are plenty of unusual gardening tips that have worked for others. From repurposing household items to centuries-old techniques, there are some handy hints that can save you time and money.

Try these tips to get the most out of your garden this season!

Straw Bale Gardening

Straw bale gardening is an alternative gardening method that uses quick-composting hay or straw to create raised garden beds. It’s a relatively low-cost and easy gardening method that allows you to grow plants in any space on your property.

Watering a straw bale is easy; just water the bale thoroughly once a day to keep it damp. The water drains out of the bottom, so you won’t overwater your garden.

You’ll need to fertilize your straw bales regularly to provide them with the nutrients they need. You can use an organic fertilizer, such as bone meal or blood meal, to provide nitrogen for your plants.

Planting in Containers

Planting in containers can be a creative way to add visual interest to your garden. Many vegetables, flowers, herbs, and shrubs work well in container gardens.

The container’s size and drainage are important factors in how well your plants grow. A pot that’s too small will crowd roots, cutting off oxygen and preventing water movement to the soil surface.

The bottom of the container should be at least one inch away from the rim, creating a reservoir for water to soak into the soil rather than overflowing and saturating the plants’ root systems.

Vertical Gardens

Vertical gardens are a great way to grow plants in a limited space. They are especially useful in urban areas, where garden space is scarce.

The key to successful vertical gardening is to plan your design carefully and choose complementary plants. This means choosing plants that are similar in size, growth rate and light requirements.

Using vertical structures such as trellis and vines is a great way to increase growing space, but this method can be labor-intensive. A more simple and sustainable solution is to use wall space.

Bring Your Plants Indoors

Bringing your plants indoors is an unusual gardening tip that can help you keep them healthy through the winter. But it’s important to know what you should and shouldn’t do before you begin.

Many tender bulbs, annuals, herbs and tropical plants will only survive the winter outdoors if they’re brought inside before nighttime temperatures drop below 45 deg F or lower.

Use a Fence

Fences are a common landscaping feature and they can be a great addition to your garden. They provide a barrier to stray animals and trespassers, protect plants and furniture from the elements, and give privacy.

A fence also helps to keep weeds and other unwanted plant life out of your lawn. This is especially important for those who have a yard that is surrounded by other homes.

Use a Rain Barrel

Rain water is an excellent water source for your garden, since it’s softer than tap water and doesn’t contain chlorine. It also reduces erosion and flooding.

Using a rain barrel to collect rainwater saves drinking water resources and money, and reduces pollution from stormwater runoff. In addition, a rain barrel can help prevent clogs in storm drains that can cause flooding and stress on the sewer system.

Plant Shrubs & Trees Near Your House

Plant shrubs and trees near your house to increase your curb appeal and enhance your home’s value. Trees and shrubs add privacy, shade, freshen the air and provide structure to your landscaping.

To keep plants healthy and attractive, water them deeply after planting. Set the hose or sprinkler on the lowest setting under the plant until it penetrates 8 to 10 inches deep.

Avoid planting trees, bushes or shrubs that have thick, flexible root systems because they can cause plumbing or sewer problems if they get too close to your house. The best way to prevent this is to measure the distance from your house before planting these types of plants.

Prevent Dirt in Your Nails

If you’re a gardening enthusiast, then you know how frustrating it can be when the dirt from your hands accumulates underneath your nails. Thankfully, there are a few unusual gardening tips you can use to prevent this issue.

One of the best ways to keep dirt from building up under your fingernails is by rubbing them over a bar of soap before you head out into the garden. This will create a barrier against dirt and allow it to be washed off when you’re done with your work.