From cleaning your patio with white vinegar to scattering cinnamon around plants, there are lots of eco-friendly ways to transform your garden using everyday items sitting at home.
Looking for some ideas? Tombola has compared searches for 'garden ideas' from January to March 2021 on Instagram and TikTok, looking for the best hacks to steal. With research discovering that Brits spend a staggering 5,675 hours over their lifetime gardening, now is the perfect time to head outdoors and try something new.
Take a look at what you can do below...
1. Use white vinegar for cleaning
Want to give your outdoor patio a good clean? If you can't get your hands on a pressure washer, why not use white vinegar and a gardening brush instead. To do this, simply mix half vinegar and water together, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then scrub well. Best of all, with one bottle of white vinegar costing less than £2, it's an absolute steal.
2. Make cake tins into stepping stones
Instead of throwing away cake tins, try turning them into pretty garden stepping stones. A lovely way to add character to your outdoor space, take a bag of cement and mix together with water using a large stick. Then, line each cake tin with clingfilm and carefully pour cement into the tin. Set aside to dry (it will take around a day) and then place outside. It's the ultimate way to wow visitors.
3. Use milk as natural fertiliser
Milk is a natural fertiliser, hailed by many organic gardeners for its benefits. If your milk has started to spoil, mix it together with soil and add to the top of your plants. As well as being used as fertiliser and anti-fungal treatment for garden plants, it's a great way to reduce kitchen waste, too.
4. Use glass bottles to keep your plants alive
"If you are planning to go away or are simply looking for more tips to keep your plants hydrated, all you need are glass bottles," say Tombola. "Just fill them up with water and stick them straight into the soil upside down to drip feed your plants the water they need when they need it."
5. Place oats around plants
Are your plants looking a little lifeless? Well, according to Tombola, placing two tablespoons of dried oats around the soil of your plants once a month can give them a new lease of life. So clever!
6. Use cinnamon to help plant growth
Cinnamon can help stimulate root growth in almost every plant variety, as well as keeping bugs at bay. To do this, simply sprinkle a handful of cinnamon on seedlings to help them grow better. Like sulphur, cinnamon is a natural fungicide which can also kill fungus infections on plants.
7. Wash your hands with soap before gardening
"If you are gardening without gloves, you'll know how frustrating it is trying to remove soil from underneath your nails," the team add. "However, a little tip before planting is to very gently run your nails through a block of soap, which means the soap goes under your nails. This should prevent as much soil from getting under, and you can wash away when finished."
8. Turn old wood into wall panelling
Transform old planks of wood into panelling for your home. One of 2021's most popular interior trends, all you need to do is cut your wood into long strips and attach them to your wall using No More Nails. Afterwards, paint it in your desired colour and enjoy!
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11 pretty picnic blankets for outdoor dining in style
This M&S foldaway picnic rug leans into the popular 1970s interior trend with its punchy colour combination and retro-inspired chequered print.
Pair it with the matching serving tray and snack bowls for a coordinated dining scheme.
This blanket’s tropical print makes it a fitting choice for summer — mainly as it’s reminiscent of sunny holidays relaxing on the beach.
Earthy tones will complement the green motif, so style it with a woven picnic basket and wooden dinnerware for a rustic look.
This blanket, part of Dunelm’s ongoing collaboration with the National History Museum, is designed to celebrate the wonders of the natural world.
Its vibrant print will create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere for garden gatherings and family picnics. Style it with simple, minimalist tableware so that the eye-catching pattern remains the focal point.
This blanket’s rainbow stripes add a modern twist to the classic Herringbone pattern, making for a stand-out piece.
Mismatched dinnerware in various colours will add to the fun, or stick to neutral accessories to make the multi-coloured print pop.
Mountain Warehouse’s patterned picnic blanket is ideal for camping or hiking — it's lightweight, easy to carry around and folds up compactly.
Its playful puppy print will appeal to dog lovers, whether you’re treating yourself or gifting a fellow pet owner.
This hardy picnic blanket is both stylish and practical, allowing you to set up your meal just about anywhere! It's lightweight and can roll up into a bag meaning it's easy to move around. And it's also waterproof, meaning no one needs to get soggy if you're sat on damp grass or sand.
Helpfully, there's also a hole in the middle for a parasol or umbrella, and best of all, this can be machine washed.
Experts in teatime treats and alfresco dining, Fortnum & Mason knows how to make a quality picnic blanket.
In the luxury department store's signature Eau De Nil colourway, this one is crafted from pure new wool — a durable fabric that can withstand frequent use and is naturally resistant to odours, making it easy to clean and maintain.
Pair it with a famous Fortnum’s food hamper for a fancy picnic.
Beachwear brand BukawaSwim has meticulously considered every detail on this picnic blanket, from using upcycled materials and non-toxic dyes to its citrus design inspired by the French Riveria.
It's also reversible, so you can easily switch between the pretty orange design and a neutral green, while the tasselled border adds some extra texture and interest.
Oliver Bonas is one of our go-to retailers for eclectic, quirky homeware — so, naturally, we can’t resist the brand’s outdoor collection. This picnic rug, complete with a playful checked pattern and contrasting colours, will add a splash of colour to any alfresco setup.
For a fresh and modern look, style it with white or grey dinnerware — or embrace the colourful aesthetic by adding pops of pink and yellow to your picnic arrangement.
At two metres long, this extra large picnic blanket will allow you to spread out food, drinks and other picnic essentials without feeling cramped. Its sand-proof backing makes it suitable for beach days, making it easy to brush off excess sand once you pack up – and it's very affordable, too.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
