Mario Bautista
Americans have revealed the most unusual hacks they use to help their gardens thrive, including using white vinegar as plant food, deterring cats with cinnamon – and singing to plants.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed throwing used teabags onto the soil also made the list.
Using baking soda to make the soil more alkaline, sprinkling ash from the fireplace to act as a fertilizer, and watering plants with potato water were also cited as different gardening tricks.
It also emerged the average gardener spends three hours a week tending to their outdoor space, with people citing that some of their biggest gardening inspirations come from family, visiting other garden centers, and gaming.
“The research has revealed some weird and wonderful ways people tend to their gardens,” said Sabrina Carmona, VP of Farm Heroes Saga at King – the mobile game developer behind the match 3 puzzle game, which commissioned the research.
“It’s been interesting to discover some of these and understand why tending to gardens has become such a popular pastime.
“Lots of people see gardening as an artform, much like the work that I do as a game developer.
“Like many people who love to tend to their garden, I’m always looking out for fresh ideas and inspiration that can help me to be more creative.”
The study found 67 per cent of those who garden do it because of the satisfaction they get from achieving results.
While 51 per cent claim it gives them somewhere to escape, and 48 per cent enjoy the nurturing aspect.
It emerged 65 per cent most enjoy watering plants, 36 per cent thrive from mowing the grass, and 51 per cent love harvesting their own fruit and veg.
Tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers were the top three most popular produce to grow, with 44 per cent aiming to save money through this method.
American’s overall gardening goals include making their green space more visually appealing (56 per cent), improving mental wellbeing (55 per cent), and learning new skills (39 per cent).
However, 67 per cent would like to spend more time in their green space than they currently do.
What’s more, 92 per cent think it’s important to find time for the things you enjoy, with lack of time cited as the main reason why 67 per cent don’t garden as much as they would like to.
The study, conducted via OnePoll.com, also found 45 per cent would rather go to a garden center than a nightclub.
And 66 per cent believe gardening is an activity that all ages can enjoy – and not just for older people.
“Gardening is such a versatile and rewarding hobby that can be tailored to suit your lifestyle and space and can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities,” added Sabrina Carmona for Farm Heroes Saga.
“This inclusivity is something that’s demonstrated in the research and is also a foundational element of our game development.
“Whatever your background, age or circumstance, it’s so important to find moments of fun and enjoyment within our busy schedules.
“Gardening – whether that’s physically or virtually through a puzzle game – can bring countless benefits, from providing much needed moments of escapism, a sense of achievement or helping to learn a new skill.”
TOP 15 UNUSUAL HACKS TO HELP GARDENS GROW
1. Using used coffee grounds as a fertilizer
2. Using egg shells as fertilizer
3. Growing new fruit/vegetables from leftover vegetable roots/seeds
4. Talking to my plants
5. Using banana peels as fertilizer
6. Throwing used teabags onto the soil
7. Using ash from the fireplace as fertilizer
8. Sprinkling cayenne pepper to ward off pests
9. Using baking soda to make the soil more alkaline
10. Singing to my plants
11. Sprinkling cinnamon on the ground to deter cats
12. Using fish heads as fertilizer
13. Using potato water to water plants
14. Using white vinegar as a plant feed
15. Destroying fungus with cinnamon
