The ₹50 gardening hack Indian terrace gardeners swear by

Terrace gardening has gained much popularity among Indian cities where people have started growing vegetables, herbs, and flowering plants in restricted urban spaces. Many beginners think that gardening needs costly tools, sophisticated fertilizers, or investments. Seasoned gardeners usually differ in opinion. There are some cheap gardening hacks using household materials which are widely used in Indian terrace gardens. They not only help improve soil conditions, conserve water, reduce pest infestations but also ensure healthier plant growth at no cost. There are a number of such gardening hacks costing less than ₹50 but still remaining highly effective. Here are some low-cost gardening hacks which Indian terrace gardeners use.

Some gardeners in India use empty plastic bottles as slow-release watering devices in the hot season. Small holes are created in the bottles which are placed upside down in pots or soil. It allows water to be released slowly rather than pouring it suddenly. This hack is particularly useful when people are busy or there are excessive temperatures when plants dehydrate quickly. It also helps minimize the amount of wasted water.

Indian gardeners also use tea powder, which is left over after brewing tea. Such tea powder is washed and dried and added to the soil in small portions. Besides being used in compost, this powder can be applied around flowers to improve their growth. However, experts recommend adding it in moderation since an excessive amount of tea waste could lead to increased soil acidity or fungal infections.

Leftover coconut shells are used in India as mini planters for herbs, succulents, and flowering plants. Gardeners create small drainage holes and fill these shells with lightweight potting soil. Apart from being cheap, these shells add an eco-friendly look to the garden. Moreover, their compact sizes suit well to the limited spaces of balconies.

Homemade sprays with the content of neem leaves or neem oil are very popular among Indian gardeners. They are used to fight off insects by spraying these solutions lightly. Due to a long history of using neem in agriculture, Indians prefer to use it for pest control in home gardens. Controlled use of neem-based sprays might help protect plants from pests.

Some Indian gardeners cover pots or soil surfaces with old newspapers to reduce evaporation rates. This also prevents weed growth partially. Additionally, newspapers are used by gardeners to prepare compost bins or pot bottoms. They are cheap and easily available, so they are used widely.