Garden Hacks That Make Your Life Easier

Gardening in the summer is joyful — but it can also be sweaty, gritty work. These easy DIY hacks can help make your gardening time more efficient, more comfortable, and yes, even a little stylish.

1. Rust-Free Garden Tool Saver

What You’ll Need:

• 5-gallon bucket filled with clean sand
• Vegetable oil or linseed oil
• Trowel
• Pruners

What To Do:

• Fill a bucket with clean sand.
• Pour in a cup or two of whichever oil you prefer.
• Stir to combine.

How It Works:

• Store pruners, trowels and other tools by sticking their blades into the sand after use. The sand naturally scrubs, and the oil coats to prevent rust.

2. Cooling Astringent Bandana

What You’ll Need:

• Bandana 
• Witch hazel or peppermint essential oil

What To Do:

• Soak a cotton bandana in witch hazel (or water with a drop of peppermint oil).
• Wring out and store in a cooler or fridge.

How It Works:

• Take the bandana out of the fridge and tie it around your neck or head before heading outside. This simple hack feels amazing and smells fresh.

Trace Tip: Using witch hazel can help prevent sweat rashes!

3. Frozen Sponge Ice Pack

What You’ll Need:

• Small cooler
• Frozen sponge
• Ziploc bags

What To Do:

• Soak a large sponge in water, then freeze it in a zip bag and toss it in your cooler.

Why It’s Smart:

• It won’t drip as it melts, and it’s the perfect midday cool-down for the back of your neck or pulse points if you’re working outside.

4. Garden Tool Caddy Hack

What You’ll Need:

• Binder clips or clothespins
• Wooden-handled tool with a drill
• Shower caddy or mail basket with an S-hook

What To Do:

• Hang a cheap shower caddy or metal mail basket from your garden fence with S-hooks.

Use It For:

• Holding sunscreen, gloves, seed packets, and pruners – all the little essentials in one easy-to-carry, rain-draining container.

Whether you’re a beginner or a gardening sage, you can always figure out low-cost ways to take your garden beds and garden routine to the next level.

For more garden tips, check out our Garden Party blog and subscribe to APT’s YouTube channel!

TAGGED:Gardening