STOP Gardening the Hard Way! 50 Amish Secrets That Make It So Much Easier!

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Welcome back, guys! My name is Buck Whitaker, and today we’re going to expose the biggest gardening disasters you never saw coming. One wrong move—like drowning your plants with egg water—and your whole garden could be on the brink of collapse. From crushed eggshells to coffee grounds, these Amish tricks work, but only if you do them RIGHT. One tiny mistake, and you could be feeding your plants poison instead of nutrients. Tune in, because what you’re about to learn might just save your garden from total ruin!

plants draw nutrients from the soil so feeding is NOW essential if we want a good yield if the conditions are not suitable for the plants they will show us with slowed growth changes in the leaves drying of the flowers small fruits and the like welcome back guys my name is Buck Whitaker and today we’re going to expose the biggest gardening disasters you never saw coming one wrong move like drowning your plants with egg water and your whole garden could be on the brink of collapse from crushed eggshells to coffee grounds these Amish tricks work but only if you do them right one tiny mistake and you could be feeding your plants poison instead of nutrients tune in because what you’re about to learn might just save your garden from Total ruin one boost humidity with a pebble tray got thirsty plants that love moisture but hate getting their leaves misted a pebble tray is your new best friend grab a shallow dish toss in some pretty Pebbles or River Rocks and fill it with water just below the top of the stones pop your potted plants on top and as the water evaporates it’ll create a perfect little humid bubble around them but be warned there’s one crucial mistake that could turn your humidity Haven into a disaster and most plant parents don’t realize it until it’s too late just make sure the pots aren’t sitting in the water itself nobody wants soggy Roots this trick is a lifesaver during dry winter months when heaters suck all the moisture out of the air plus it makes your plant display look extra Fancy without any extra work dry air can stress your plants here’s an easy way to keep them happy two eggshell power up for plants Before You Chuck those eggshells in the trash consider this they’re packed with calcium and your tomatoes peppers and squash are begging for it ever seen a sad tomato with a mushy rotting bottom that’s a calcium problem and eggshells are the Cure rinse dry and crush them up into little bits before sprinkling them around your plants they’ll slowly break down down releasing calcium right into the soil want to speed things up blend them into a fine powder for a quicker nutrient boost bonus slugs and snails hate crawling over sharp eggshell bits win-win don’t throw away those eggshells your plants will love them three egg water for supercharged growth speaking of eggs don’t toss out that leftover water after boiling them it’s loaded with calcium and your plants will thank you for it let it cool completely then use it to water your garden tomatoes peppers and Roses go crazy for this extra shot of nutrients just be sure the water isn’t hot you don’t want to scald your plants no it won’t make your garden smell like eggs either once cooled it’s totally odorless leftover egg water it’s packed with nutrients your plants need four baking soda for fungal problems baking soda isn’t just for your kitchen it’s a a miracle worker in the garden too got powdery mildew creeping up on your cucumbers or roses a Sprinkle of baking soda can help shut that down fast for best results mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a gallon of water and Spritz it on your plant leaves it creates a hostile environment for fungus but won’t harm your plants just don’t go overboard too much baking soda can mess with your soil’s pH balance think of it like salt a little helps too much ruins the whole thing a little baking soda can help keep your plants healthy five coffee grounds equals free fertilizer if you’re a coffee drinker congrats you’re sitting on a gold mine of free plant food used coffee grounds are packed with nitrogen which helps plants grow Lush and green just sprinkle them around your plants for an easy nutrient boost worms love coffee grounds and more worms mean healthier soil but don’t go dumping grounds everywhere too much can make the soil too acidic keep it balanced and your garden will Thrive no your plants won’t get hyper from the caffeine most of it gets brewed out anyway your used coffee grounds are great food for your plants six save your seeds like a pro before big box stores sold seeds and pretty packets people save their own the Amish still do it and it’s honestly genius pick the best plants from your garden the ones that grew the biggest healthiest and most productive scoop out their seeds let them dry completely then store them in a paper envelope label them unless you like mystery plants next season not only does this save you money but you’ll also be naturally selecting the strongest plants for your garden year after year there’s something ridiculously satisfying about growing a plant from a seed you saved with your own hands why buy seeds when you can save the best ones yourself seven scatter hair for Pest Control Yes you heard that right human hair keeps animals like rabbits and deer out of your garden they hate the scent and will steer clear once they sniff it if you have long hair and brush it often just collect the loose strands and scatter them around your plants if you want to go all out visit a local barber and ask for a bag of clippings it might sound weird but your garden will thank you hair also adds nitrogen to the soil as it decomposes double win and if your family members start wondering why you’re hoarding hair just tell them it’s an Amish gardening Secret eight repel insects with marigolds marigolds are like security guards for your garden they repel pest while looking absolutely stunning plant them around your vegetable beds to keep aphids mosquitoes and nematodes away their scent confuses pests making it harder for them to find your crops and here’s a bonus marigolds attract pollinators like bees and butterflies which means better fruit and vegetable production nine use leftover tea as fertilizer instead of tossing used tea leaves mix them into your soil tea contains nitrogen phosphorus and tannins that plants love uh green tea in particular has four times more nitrogen than coffee grounds making it a fantastic natural fertilizer just make sure to remove any Staples from tea bags before burying them 10 mix tiny seeds with cornmeal tiny seeds are a nightmare to plant evenly 1 second you’re sprinkling them gently and the next they’re all clump together like kids at recess mixing small seeds with cornmeal makes them easier to spread evenly this simple trick can improve germination rates by up to 30% ever had your carrots grow in a tangled mess because the seeds were too close together well this hack will make sure that never happens again 11 repel ants with vinegar spray ants are the ultimate Crashers of the garden party one moment you’re admiring your plants and the next a tiny parade of the is making its way through your flower bed like they own the place it’s time to show them they’re not on the guest list the Amish known for their non-nonsense approach to gardening have long favored vinegar for keeping pests at Bay white vinegar disrupts the ants scent Trails making it nearly impossible for them to find their way back to their Hideout it’s like scrambling the GPS on a road trip just mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle then Spritz it around problem areas be careful not to spray directly on Plants though because vinegar is strong enough to damage leaves if you’ve got an antill nearby pour a little straight vinegar on it and watch them pack up and leave like they just got evicted 12 make manure tea for fertilizer before you cringe at the words manure tea hear us out the Amish have been using this liquid gold for centuries and if there’s one thing they know it’s how to grow healthy plants without store-bought fertilizers manure tea is exactly what it sounds like it’s made by soaking aged manure in water creating a nutrient-rich solution that plants absolutely love just think of it as a power smoothie for your soil to make it grab a burlap sack or an old pillowcase fill it with well-aged manure Cow Horse or chicken manure works best and dunk it into a 5 gallon bucket of water let it steep for about 3 days stirring occasionally once the water turns a rich brown color it’s ready just Di D it before pouring it around your plants if you can get past the name your plants will thank you with Lush vibrant growth just don’t mistake it for your morning tea 13 grow potatoes and barrels if you’ve ever tried growing potatoes the traditional way you know it involves a lot of digging back ache and the occasional surprise when you unearth a spud you forgot you planted there’s a better way and it’s as simple as using a barrel this method often used in Amish communities where efficiency is key turns one barrel into a vertical Potato Factory start by placing seed potatoes near the bottom with a layer of soil as the plants grow keep adding more soil until you reach the top when Harvest time comes just tip over the barrel and collect your potatoes 14 practice companion planting some plants just belong together like peanut butter and jelly others well they don’t the Amish with their deep understanding of natural growing methods have perect Ed the art of companion planting for example planting basil next to tomatoes not only improves their flavor but also keeps pests away maragold planted near vegetables repelled insects while carrots and onions are best friends onions confuse carrot flies and carrots return the favor by deterring onion pests 15 control weeds with vinegar or bleach weeds are The Free Loaders of the garden you didn’t invite them you don’t want them and yet they pop up anyway vinegar is a quick natural way to send them packing spray it directly onto Weeds on a hot day and within 24 hours they’ll start to shrivel up bleach works too but it’s stronger and sticks around in the soil longer so use it sparingly 16 rub aloe vera on plant cuts ever had a plant break a stem and wondered if there was anything you could do to help it heal turns out aloe vera the same thing you use for sunburn works wonders on plant injuries too the Amish rely on natural remedies and aloe vera is a powerful one it has antibacterial and antifungal properties that protect cut stems from infections helping them heal faster just cut open an Alo Leaf scoop out the gel and gently rub it onto the damaged area this trick works especially well for succulents and fragile plants that tend to snap easily and hey if you accidentally get a scratch while gardening go ahead and use a little on yourself too it’s a two for one deal 17 grow cuting in a potato rooting plant cuting can sometimes feel like a gamble will they grow or will they just sit there looking sad one way to improve your odds is by using a potato yes a potato Amish gardeners have been using this trick for ages because it provides moisture nutrients and a stable base for new roots to form just poke a small hole in a raw potato stick your cutting inside and plant the whole thing in the soil the potato keeps the cutting hydrated while slowly breaking down feeding the plant as it grows it’s like Nature’s little nursery for baby plants and if someone catches you planting potatoes in weird places just tell them you’re experimenting that always makes you sound like a genius 18 collect rainwater for irrigation Watering your garden doesn’t have to mean running up your water bill the Amish have been collecting rainwater for centuries and for good reason it’s free natural and contains no chemicals like chlorine or fluoride all you need is a rain barrel placed under your gutter downspout a single storm can fill up a barrel in no time giving you gallons of fresh untreated water for your plants this is especially handy during dry spells instead of watching your plants Wilt while the hose sits idle you’ll have a backup Supply ready to go once you start collecting rainwater you’ll wonder why you ever paid for what nature provides for free 19 label everything clearly if you’ve ever planted something and later had no idea what it was welcome to the club mystery plants can be fun but when you’re trying to plant a garden it’s better to know what’s what the solution is simple label everything use wooden Stakes rocks or even broken terracotta pieces to write the names of your plants permanent markers work fine but if you want it to last use weatherproof paint 20 sprinkle cinnamon on on seedlings cinnamon is a powerful antifungal agent that protects young seedlings from damping off disease a sneaky problem that causes them to suddenly collapse and die a light sprinkle of cinnamon over the soil creates a barrier that keeps fungi in check it also repels pests like ants and gnats which is a nice bonus 21 use match sticks in soil for magnesium most people use match sticks to light candles or campfires but did you know know they can also give your plants a much needed nutrient boost wooden match sticks contain magnesium and sulfur two minerals that help plants grow strong and healthy all you have to do is stick four or five unused wooden matches into the soil around each plant as they break down they release nutrients into the soil acting like tiny slow release fertilizer sticks this trick works especially well for acid loving plants like tomatoes peppers and Roses it’s simple inexpensive and doesn’t require any fancy gardening skills 22 sprinkle wood ash on soil for a potassium boost if you have a fireplace or fire P pit you might be sitting on a secret stash of plant food wood ash is packed with potassium and phosphorus two essential nutrients that help plants develop strong roots and produce more flowers and fruit the Amish who waste nothing have been using wood ash in their Gardens for generations to try it yourself sprinkle a light dusting of cooled wood ash around your plants about 1 cup per square yard just be careful not to overdo it too much can make the soil too alkaline which some plants won’t appreciate and make sure you’re using plain wood ash not the kind from charcoal briquettes or treated wood your plants want nutrients not chemicals 23 grow what you love gardening should be enjoyable not a chore if you’re growing vegetables you don’t even like eating what’s the point the Amish focus on practicality and everything they do and their Gardens are no different they grow what their families actually eat before you plan anything ask yourself what you love to cook if you’re all about homemade pasta sauce tomatoes and basil should be at the top of your list if salads are your thing grow lettuce cucumbers and carrots this simple mindset shift makes gardening more rewarding instead of dreading the work you’ll be excited for the Harvest and nothing beats the taste of homegrown food you actually want to eat right 24 cover pots with plastic bags for humidity have you ever struggled to keep plants alive indoors one reason could be that the air in your home is too dry especially in the winter the Amish who rely on simple and effective methods often create many greenh houses using clear plastic bags here’s how you can do it after watering your plant place a clear plastic bag Loosely over the pot making sure it doesn’t touch the leaves this traps moisture and creates a humid environment which is perfect for tropical plants or seedlings make sure to poke a few holes in the bag for air flow you don’t want to turn your plant into a steam cooked vegetable this method keeps plants happy and healthy without the need for fancy gadgets 25 place ice cubes on soil for slow watering ever poured water on a plant only to watch it drain out faster than you can say well well that was a waste some plants like orchids and succulents prefer a slow and steady drink rather than a sudden flood that’s where ice cubes come in just place two or three ice cubes on the soil surface and let them melt naturally this allows the water to soak in gradually hydrating the roots without overwhelming them this trick is especially useful for hanging plants or pots with poor drainage instead of water pooling at the bottom the ice cubes ensure an even controlled relief 26 Place coffee filters in pots to prevent soil loss if you’ve ever watered a potted plant and watch soil Escape through the drainage holes like it’s making a run for it you’re not alone luckily the solution is as simple as grabbing a coffee filter before adding soil to a pot place a coffee filter over the drainage hole this keeps the dirt in while still allowing excess water to drain properly it’s like a safety net for your soil the Amish loves simple practical Solutions and this is definitely one of them over time the filter naturally breaks down but by then your plants Roots will be established and the soil will stay put no more muddy messes just happy well-watered plants 27 use pencil shavings as mulch next time you sharpen a pencil don’t toss the shavings believe it or not those tiny wood curls can be put to good use in your garden pencil shaving ings act as a natural mulch helping retain moisture in the soil while keeping pests like gnats and fungus at Bay Cedarwood pencils work best since Cedar naturally repels insects just sprinkle a small handful of shavings around the base of your plants and they’ll break down over time adding organic matter to the soil it’s recycling at its finest plus your garden will smell like freshly sharpen pencils which is oddly satisfying 28 use onion skin as fertilizer onion skins might seem like useless kitchen waste but they’re actually packed with potassium calcium and magnesium nutrients that help plants grow strong and vibrant instead of tossing them in the trash soak the skins in water for three days to create a nutrient-rich tea then use the water to feed your plants you can also bury the Skins directly in the soil where they’ll slowly break down and enrich the Earth the Amish make use of everything and this is a perfect example of turning scraps into something useful who knew onions could do more than just make you cry 29 spray vinegar to keep rabbits away rabbits might be adorable but they can wreak havoc on your garden if you’re tired of them treating your plants like an all you can eat buffet vinegar can help soak a few cotton balls in white vinegar and place them around the edges of your garden rabbits hate the smell and will steer clear you can also spray a diluted vinegar solution around your plants just be careful not to get it on the leaves this trick is chemical-free easy and effective no more half-eaten veggies just happy untouched plants 30 insulate pots with wool socks you know how you wear thick socks in the winter to keep your feet warm well your plants could use the same treatment wrapping potted plants and wool socks helps insulate them from Sudden temperature changes this is especially helpful for outdoor pots in colder months the wool traps heat keeping the roots warmer and protecting them from frost the Amish who rely on natural materials have long used wool as an insulator and it works just as well in the garden as it does on your feet simply slip an old wool sock over the base of the pot or wrap the entire container your plants will stay cozy even when the temperature drops and if your neighbors ask why your plants are wearing socks just tell them they get cold too 31 put plants in the bathroom for extra humidity if you have ever strug struggled to keep moisture-loving plants happy your bathroom might just be the perfect home for them the constant humidity from showers creates a tropical environment that ferns orchids and peace lies absolutely love instead of misting your plants every 5 minutes like an overprotective plant parent just let them enjoy the natural Steam from your daily routine it is an effortless way to keep plants hydrated without any extra work if your bathroom has a window even better just make sure that you’re getting enough light if not a grow light can do the trick too 32 use stale beer to trap slugs slugs might love your garden but they love beer even more if these slimy intruders are munching on your plants a simple dish of stale beer can lure them away just bury a small bowl or cup in the soil so the rim is level with the ground then fill it with old beer slugs will crawl in thinking they have found a free drink but they won’t make it back out this trick is oldtime favorite even in Amish communities where chemical pesticides are avoided 33 add charcoal to terrariums to keep them fresh terrariums are like tiny magical worlds in glass containers but they can start smelling funky if the environment gets too damp that is where charcoal comes in the Amish have long used charcoal to purify water and freshen up indoor spaces in a terrarium charcoal absorbs excess moisture filters out impurities and keeps everything smelling fresh it is like a natural air purifier for plants to use it just sprinkle a thin layer of activated charcoal at the bottom of your terrarium before adding soil this will prevent mold and bad odors from developing your plants will stay healthier and your terrarium will look and smell as fresh as the day you set it up 34 use cotton string for biodegradable plant ties plants sometimes need a a little support but plastic ties can be too harsh and don’t break down over time instead use cotton string as a biodegradable plant friendly alternative cotton string is soft won’t cut into delicate stems and naturally decomposes over time meaning you won’t have to worry about retrieving it later it is especially great for staking Tomatoes training vines or securing young trees the Amish who avoid wasteful materials often use natural fibers for gardening this simple switch keeps your plants supported while staying eco-friendly and hasslefree plus no more plastic eyesores in your beautiful garden 35 water plants at night in summer summer heat can be brutal and plants feel it just as much as we do watering during the day is almost pointless because most of it evaporates before it even reaches the roots the best solution is to water in the evening when temperatures are cooler at night water has time to seep deep into the soil giving plants the hydration they need without the sun stealing half of it just make sure to water the base of the plants not the leaves to prevent mold and mildew 36 use newspaper to make biodegradable seed pots why buy seed trays when you can make your own using something you already have at home the Amish are big on repurposing materials and this hack fits right into that philosophy newspaper seed pots are not just free but they are also biodegradable which means you can plant them directly in the soil when your seedlings are ready just roll sheets of newspaper into small cups fill them with soil and plant your seeds as the plants grow the newspaper will break down naturally adding organic matter to the soil it is a simple way to start seeds without plastic waste 37 use cloves to repel pests bugs might love your garden but they hate the smell of cloves if ants aphids or even mosquitoes are bothering your plants a few dried cloves can send them packing simply scatter whole cloves around your garden beds or place them in small mesh bags near problem areas the strong scent confuses Pest and makes your plants less inviting the Amish who rely on natural pest deterrents often use cloves and other strong smelling spices to protect their crops best of all this method is completely chemical free and safe for pets and plants 38 use terracotta pots for slow watering keeping plants hydrated without overwatering can be tricky but terracotta pots can do the job for you small unglazed terracotta pots buried in the soil act as natural slow drip irrigation systems simply bury a pot near your plants leaving the top exposed fill it with water and the porous material will gradually release moisture into the surrounding soil as needed this method often used in Amish Gardens ensures deep even watering without wasting a single drop plus it means less watering for you making your garden practically take care of itself 39 grow seedlings in eggshells eggshells are not just good for compost they also make perfect biodegradable seed pots just crack eggs near the top rinse out the shells and poke a small hole in the bottom for drainage fill each shell with soil plant your seeds and watch them grow when the seedlings are ready to be transplanted you can plant the whole thing in the ground the eggshell will break down over time releasing calcium into the soil this trick is great for tomatoes peppers and other calcium loving plants plus it is a fun zero waste way to give your seedlings a strong start 40 use crushed clam or oyster shells for soil enrichment if you live near the coast or enjoy Seafood your discarded clam and oyster shells can be a secret weapon for your garden these shells are packed with calcium which helps prevent Blossom and rot in tomatoes and Peppers crush the shells into small pieces and mix them into the soil or compost over time they break down slowly releasing minerals that strengthen plant cell walls and improve root growth the Amish who often rely on natural soil amendments use shells in their farming to keep soil healthy instead of throwing them away let your old seafood dinner give back to your garden 41 use rice water as a natural fertilizer next time you rinse rice before cooking cooking save the water that cloudy liquid is full of starch vitamins and minerals that plants love rice water feeds beneficial bacteria in the soil boosts plant growth and provides a gentle nutrient boost simply let it cool and use it to water your plants it is particularly great for house plants leafy greens and flowering plants who knew something as simple as rinsing rice could double as plant food it’s a zero waste heck that turns something you would normally dump down the drain into a secret gardening weapon 42 grow mushrooms in used coffee grounds if you drink coffee every day you’re sitting on a gold mine of mushroom growing material mushrooms love nutrient-rich coffee grounds making them the perfect growing medium pack used coffee grounds into a container mix in mushroom spores and keep it in a cool dark place in just a few weeks fresh mushrooms will start sprouting the Amish are experts at reusing natural materials to cultivate food and this trick follows that same principle if you have ever wanted to grow your own mushrooms this is the easiest way to start 43 make a DIY self-watering planter with a water bottle ever gone away for a weekend only to return to drooping thirsty plants a simple upside down water bottle can keep them hydrated while you’re away fill a plastic bottle with water poke a few tiny holes in the cap and bury it upside down near your plant’s Roots water will slowly seep out keeping the soil moist without over overwatering the Amish prefer low maintenance solutions that work with nature and this trick does exactly that no more plant emergencies when you take a short trip just set it and forget it 44 use burlap sacks to protect plants from frost a sudden cold snap can wipe out a garden overnight but a simple burlap sack can save your plants from freezing before a frost gently drape burlap over your plants securing the edges with stones or Stakes it traps warmth while allowing air circul keeping plants safe from frost damage the Amish who Farm year round often use natural fabric coverings to extend growing Seasons unlike plastic burlap allows plants to breathe so they stay cozy without suffocating 45 use cardboard to stop weeds from growing weeds love bare soil but a simple layer of cardboard can block them before they sprout lay flattened cardboard over problem areas wet it down and cover it with mt it Smothers weeds prevents seeds from germinating and eventually breaks down into organic matter no chemicals needed plus it recycles old boxes making it a win-win for your garden and the environment 46 use rope wicks for self-watering plants if you struggle to keep plants watered while you’re away rope Wicks can do the job for you this trick uses capillary action to slowly transfer water from a reservoir to your plants Place one end of a cotton rope in a water-filled container and bury the other end in the soil near your plant’s Roots the Rope will draw moisture up as the plant needs it keeping the soil evenly moist 47 use egg cartons as seed starters starting seeds indoors forget expensive trays egg cartons make perfect biodegradable seed starters just fill each cup with soil plant a seed and keep them moist once the seedlings are strong enough you can plant the whole carton section directly in the ground the carton will break down naturally feeding the soil as the plant grows the Amish love repurposing everyday materials and this hack turns something disposable into something useful plus it keeps plastic waste out of the garden 48 use milk to prevent powdery mildew powdery mildew can turn your plants into a white Dusty mess but a simple milk spray can stop it before it’s spreads mix one part milk with two parts water and spray it on affected leaves the natural enzymes and milk help prevent fungal growth and strengthen plant immunity this trick has been used for centuries and is a favorite in organic gardening if you’re squash or roses keep getting covered in mildew this cheap and easy fix could save them 49 grow sweet potatoes in a water jar if you have ever wanted to grow your own sweet potatoes all you need is a potato a jar and some water stick toothpicks into a sweet potato and suspend it halfway in a jar of water keeping the bottom submerged in a few weeks Roots will appear and Vines will start growing once they are strong plant them in the soil and watch your sweet potato crop take off this method has been used for generations and is one of the easiest ways to propagate new plants plus it’s fun to watch 50 use aluminum foil to reflect sunlight on shade loving plants and finally not all plants thrive in direct sunlight but sometimes they need a little extra brightness to grow well a simple trick is placing aluminum foil near plants to bounce sunlight onto them cut pieces of foil and position them on the ground around shade loving plants or on walls near them it increases light exposure without overheating the plant the Amish often use natural reflectors to maximize plant growth if your lettuce or spinach seem weak a little extra light might be all they need and that’s a wrap on 50 game-changing Amish gardening hacks that will have your plants thriving like never before from banana peels to coffee filters who knew simple tricks could make such a huge difference now we want to hear from you which hack are you most excited to try drop your answer in the comments if you found this helpful give this video a thumbs up and hit subscribe for more gardening wisdom happy planting and see you in the next one