Aren’t backyard spaces absolutely wonderful? Unfortunately,with a gorgeous outdoor space comes lots of of work, and lots of headaches for the problems that may seem un-fixable. Fortunately, here are some of my favorite gardening hacks and backyard hacks.
These will help any problem (or even just annoyance!) seem a whole lot easier to fix. Keep reading for them below!
Backyard Hacks
1. Trampoline Safety Hack
The springs of a trampoline can be dangerous, for both adults and children alike. Use old pool noodles as an extra safety precaution on the springs of your trampoline. No one likes pinched skin! Measure the pool noodles before cutting, and just pop them on over top.
2. Pest Control Tip
If pests and critters are your problem, save your old pine cones and use them like landscaping bark around your trees and plants to deter those obnoxious animals you cannot seem to get rid of! Mother Nature will thank you for using this natural pest control solution.
3. Repurposed Backyard Chandelier
An idea perfect for a bird lover, use an old chandelier to create a bird feeder, just remove the light bulbs and use the area where they used to be as a place to stash the birdseed. Check out the full tutorial from Craftster.
4. Garden Pathway Hack
Glow in the dark pebbles can be a great way to light up your garden pathway at night. You can paint the pebbles yourself, or you can buy special glow in the dark rocks. Idea from Book of Joe.
5. Pillow Quilt
Sew together a pillow quilt by hemming the edges of the pillows together. This is perfect for outdoor picnics, or even an outdoor slumber party. It’s so cozy that you’ll probably want to take it everywhere!
6. Recycled Garden Edging
Recycle your old wine bottles by turning them into garden edging. All you have to do is place them mouth-side-down into the ground around your lawn or flower beds. The shape and color of the glasses really add a bohemian vibe to your outdoor space.
7. Bury Pots In Ground
If gardening is not exactly your forte, plant actual pots in the ground. It’s easier to care for this way and garden infestations are less likely to happen.Plus, when it comes time to re plant, it is so beyond simple! Genius idea from Townhouse.
8. DIY Towel Rack
PVC pipe can be turned into absolutely anything, including a towel rack! Perfect for summers at the pool, this DIY rack is easy to assemble and keeps your towels warm and dry. Get the instructions from eHow.
9. Picnic Table Hack
If storage space is an issue, turn your table into a cooler by removing the center pieces of your table. You can find the full tutorial here.
10. Rust-Free Furniture Hack
Rusty furniture is a backyard buzzkill. Instead of using harsh chemicals, cut a potato or a cucumber in half. Then scrub the rusty area. It’ll remove the rust practically before your eyes!
11. All Natural Weed Killer
The Bloomingtales states that boiling water is an all natural way to kill weeds without harming the soil. Try it in your garden today.
12. Outdoor Window Washing Tip
Believe it or not, the best time to clean windows is when it’s dark or cloudy. This helps to prevent streaks from forming, Keep this in mind for next time and you will certainly see the difference!
13. Keep Sidewalk Cracks Plant Free
If you are trying to kill all of the vegetation between cracks in your driveway, one of the best backyard hacks is sprinkling salt in the area.
14. Keep Bugs Away From Your Guests
Before a party, wipe down your patio furniture with vinegar. This keeps flies and other insects away from your guests.
15. Design Your Own Trellis
There’s a kit that allows you to create trellis designs of any size. Get the great kit here.
16. Other Weed Hacks
If you struggle with preventing weeds growing up through the sidewalk cracks, use concrete crack filler to prevent weeds from sprouting.
17. Outdoor Hacks
If you are short on light, or perhaps there is a power outage. Use a gallon of water and a headlamp to create a makeshift lantern.
18. Fire Starter Hacks
Doritos are actually a great form of kindling! Crumble them up and set them on fire.
19. Baking Soda
Sprinkling baking soda around your tomato plants will make them even sweeter. Whether you’re growing Brandywines or Romas, sprinkle it directly around the plants. More info here.
Let me know which ones you have tried. Do you have any other backyard hacks that you use?
If you tried any of these and liked them—and if you like camping—you might just be ready for these mindblowing camping hacks!
About the author: Jenny Wallentine is a master gardener, home remodeling enthusiast, and DIY-er. She is also the co-founder of Origins Genealogy, a company specializing in helping adult adoptees find their birth parents, biological siblings to find one another, and people to get in touch with their genetic origins. When not remodeling a house or snowmobiling in the mountains, Jenny can be found enjoying her grandchildren.
love this idea but can’t find it on IKEA’s site. What’s the product name? I’ve tried curtain, awning and shade and can’t seem to locate it. Thank you!
they are Merete curtains on stainless steel wire with proper shade cloth attachments. You’ll need to put holes in the bottom of the curtains.
How does this hold up in rain? Can you sit under it during rain or just to make shade? Also, does it thin the longer it is exposed to the elements?
sorry which one are you talking about? It doesn’t tell me which one you commented on.
Just wondering the sewing the pillows together idea what is the best way to do so and what size pillows would you use and could it be used to make a book Nook comfier for children
Love these ideas! Thanks for the tips!
Re pine cones: will it prevent weeds to grown around my plants or just deter pests?