Gardening is an art, not a science. At least, that’s the vibe you get watching @Gardenary by Nicole Johnsey Burke on YouTube, where she sometimes flips the rulebook upside down with her wonderfully “weird” garden hacks (that is if you’re used to following the standard rules of gardening).
Burke is sharing proof that there’s no “right” way to grow your dream garden. Let’s look at her unconventional gardening methods that somehow make perfect sense.
Cramming Tomato Plants on One Arch Trellis (and Never Pruning)
Got a trellis? Great. Cram it with as many tomato plants as humanly possible! Most people plant one or two tomatoes per trellis, but Burke puts eight. The result? A luscious tomato jungle where the vines intertwine with reckless abandon, making the most of vertical space and creating an edible work of art.
To add to the tomato chaos, Burke doesn’t prune the “suckers” that branch from the stem. Rather, she lets them grow wild and free. The result? A forest of tomato plants that seemingly thrive under her no-pruning rule.
The “Sprinkle and Hope” Method
Why fuss over spacing seeds one by one when you can just dump an entire packet in one spot and see what happens? This carefree technique can be fun, whether it’s lettuce, radishes, or wildflowers.
Her video illustrates that planting doesn’t always have to follow a plan; sometimes chaos blooms beautifully.
Flowers as Cover-Ups
Most people hide clutter behind curtains but Burke hides raised garden beds behind flowers. Bright, eye-catching blooms add charm to a space and also act as nature’s camouflage. Your veggies get their spotlight while your garden beds stay in the background looking effortlessly chic.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Stuff More Plants Into Less Space
Who even made those spacing rules? Instead of giving her plants the suggested amount of room, she stuffs 12 plants into the space where others might put one or two (this is square-foot gardening on steroids). Tomatoes, herbs, peppers, you name it.
The plants seem unbothered by the coziness, thriving together in their mini-plant parties. Plus, this method does a great job of minimizing the need to weed since there’s literally no room for them.
A Wedding Veil’s Second Job
Turns out, a wedding veil isn’t just for walking down the aisle. Drape it over your lettuce under some arched rebar, and boom! Instant caterpillar protection. This sheer, budget-friendly hack keeps those pesky leaf munchers at bay while looking even fancier than your average garden mesh (although that works fine too, the point is to use what’s on hand!).
Potato Hide-and-Seek
Potatoes are perfect for hiding under flowerbeds. Imagine pulling back a patch of marigolds or zinnias to find an unexpected (and delicious) patch of spuds. It is such a great way to maximize space and yield.
Beans on the Edge
Edges of raised beds are prime real estate for beans, and Burke takes full advantage of it. Growing pounds of string beans where you’d least expect them is both a space-saver and a stroke of genius. It proves you don’t need fancy trellises or extra room for a bountiful harvest.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Planting Flowers Just for “Bad” Bugs
Trap plants? Genius. By planting flowers that attract “bad” bugs (the ones you don’t want munching on your veggies), she creates a built-in defense system. The bugs hang out with the flowers, sparing your prized zucchini and tomatoes.
Why Weird Works
What makes these hacks so satisfying is the creative freedom they inspire. Forget the gardening manuals or rigid rules about spacing and pruning. @Gardenary proves that gardening is about experimentation, fun, and letting nature do its thing—with a little playful nudge in the right direction.
Read more:
The Gardening Secret to Faster, Healthier Seedlings
March into Gardening: Seeds to Sow Now for a Vibrant Spring
