A gardening expert has shared a simple yet effective way to give your plants an extra boost of hydration during the summer months, using the common household item
The hack could come in useful if you want your garden to thrive this summer (Image: Getty Images/Westend61)
Sponges, a common item in households used for various cleaning tasks, are often thrown away after a few uses. However, gardeners are being encouraged to repurpose them for an essential task in July before the heat intensifies.
Adding sponges to soil can not only enhance the growth and vibrancy of flowers but also help plants stay hydrated during the warmer months. The YouTube channel Simple & Fast posted a video encouraging gardeners to keep old sponges, describing them as “worth pure gold on your plants”, particularly during heatwaves when soil struggles to retain water, leaving plants at risk of dehydration.
Plants typically need extra care during the summer, especially when it comes to hydration. While longer and hotter days can lead to dehydration as water evaporates from the soil more quickly, it’s also crucial not to overwater plants.
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Since sponges absorb water, adding them into soil helps maintain moisture and ensures plants stay hydrated until they eventually break down and decompose into the soil, reports the Express.
In the YouTube video, the gardening expert stated that throwing away sponges is “wasting a powerful ally for our plants, our garden and our pots.”
However, some viewers expressed concerns about adding sponges to soil, particularly as they often contain microplastics, and advised against using this method in vegetable patches or herb gardens.
This technique is particularly useful for plants that are more prone to dehydration. One commenter shared: “When I use decorative pots without drainage holes, I put these sponges at the bottom of them, and place the pot with the plant in, on top. That helps to avoid accidental overwatering.”
It’s recommended to do this before the end of July to ensure plants stay hydrated throughout the summer. Additionally, Simple & Fast suggests doing this if you’re planning to be away for a while, as it will help maintain soil moisture and works for both indoor and outdoor plants.
Garden sponges can be really beneficial to your plants (Image: Getty)How to use sponges in the garden
To start, soak the sponge in water with a small amount of soap for an hour, then give it a thorough rinse.
Next, use scissors to cut the sponge into tiny pieces. “Once we have all our sponge cut, we are going to start using it to benefit the soil of our pots and plants,” the gardening expert explained.
You can then mix the sponge pieces into the soil. Begin by adding a layer of soil to the pot, followed by a layer of sponge, and then add your plant.
The sponge fragments will blend with the soil in the pots, absorbing moisture and helping keep plants healthy and hydrated for longer periods.
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