Gardening becomes an onerous burden when we neglect a few simple tasks that then accumulate until we are faced with a large list of chores. So take up some of these garden labor saving tol and tips to make your gardening life easier and more pleasant.
Practising some of the following may just alleviate that issue.
Keep tools clean – disinfect as needed after working with infected plants or just clean in mild soapy water.
Then dry off and insert them in a bucket of sand in which you have lightly mixed some vegetable oil. This will help prevent rust, keep the edges sharper and the abrasive action should remove any harder dirt accumulation.
Don’t leave tools out in the weather – make a habit of cleaning off accumulated soil, and garden detritus, and then store in a shed or enclosed area
Linseed oil the handles of spades, shovels forks etc. This will preserve the wood and avoid getting splinters from deteriorating handles.
Prune and dig only with sharp instruments so keep cutters and spades sharpened.
Only buy quality tools – they will stand up to the work better and can be maintained more easily. It will also encourage you to look after them properly, whereas we get careless with cheap versions – which just don’t last – a bit of a false economy really.
Use a garden kneeler – reduces back trouble – for young and older!
Square foot gardening: increases productivity – and saves, water, weeding and back pain!
Mulching: reduces weeding, conserves water, keeps soil temperature more even.
Companion planting: for pest control – let nature do the work of control.
Organic gardening: this does save work and costs – a healthy plant will usually become disease resistant and take care of itself without the need for chemical sprays to control pests and disease.
Pruning keeps plants healthy – learn when to cut off old growth. This is especially true for vigorous climbers – save yourself time by keeping them in control.
Irrigation: use drip systems instead of above ground sprays to save water and irrigate more effectively
Recycle grey water: conserves water usage and saves on water bills
Fix dripping taps/faucets, also tools etc as they need it – don’t let these chores accumulate.
Don’t dig over the garden beds: unnecessary if you have composted and mulched well
Choosing the correct tools can save both work and time and can make the difference between a chore being a joy or a pain.
Power tools, though expensive, can both save time and sweat. This is especially so if you have large hedges or lawn edges that need to be kept in control.
Fertilise only with organic fertilisers such as animal manures – if you live in a rural area offer to clean stables, chicken runs, dairies in exchange for the manure. Fish and seaweed based fertilisers are excellent for boosting growth and healing plants.
Plant invasive species in containers so they don’t invade other parts of the garden beds, e.g. mint, some ferns
Make mini greenhouses for your newly planted seedlings: Cut off the bottoms of milk jugs or other plastic bottles and place them over the plant – getting both a greenhouse effect and protection from frost and windy conditions
Have a worm farm
Buying or creating your own worm farm is very beneficial. The solid and liquid by-products are excellent for soil improvement and for fertilisation.
A worm farm ideally should have three layers – the lowest is where the liquid gathers and can drip into a container or watering can. The other layers will be their home – put them in one and when that is full of castings move them into the other and use the casting in the garden.
Feed them with kitchen scraps (except citrus and onions) grass cuttings, weeds, damp paper .
Just cut it up preferably for faster eating!
Perhaps add a little dolomite every few months to make sure the habitat isn’t too acidic.
Make a liquid foliar fertiliser from the liquid they produce – one part worm wee to ten parts water – it is great as a kick starter or for suffering plants that need a boost.
There is no such thing as a maintenance free garden, but following these garden labor saving tools and tips will help you keep on top of the chores that are needed to keep a garden in control.