Growing up, I enjoyed watching my mother garden.

I was curious as a child, asking “how do we make these grow?”

My parents had the best tomatoes and peppers.

Nothing beats homegrown.

I find gardening to be very relaxing.

Try these 6 hacks to keep your gardening simple.

1) Like to move your plants around? Get multiple same-size pots. Plant an empty one in the soil, so you can easily change out the flowers.

2) For deep planters, place soda cans in the bottom. This helps improve drainage and creates air pockets for healthier soil.

3) To edge your garden or flower bed, lay down a 2×6 board and use a spade to drive a straight line.

4) Place a coffee filter at the bottom of your planter before filling with soil. This will allow the water to drain without losing soil.

5) Place cut up dish sponges in the bottom of your pots to help with hydration and to prevent water settling in the bottom which could cause rotting of your roots.

6) Out of fertilizer? Use Epsom salt. Use 2 teaspoons per gallon of water a month. You may also dilute and use in a spray bottle to increase growth quickly.

Share your gardening secrets with me at Jewel.lexchron@gmail.com.