An expert gardener shared how to create a garden in minutes – and you only need two things.
The scoop
In the Garden Cottage (@inthecottagegarden) published a 34-second TikTok, showing that it is possible to start a garden with only cardboard and compost.
@inthecottagegarden Start a garden in minutes! 🌱 The easiest way to make a garden bed, and you only need cardboard and compost! #gardening #growyourownfood #gardening tips ♬ original sound – In The Cottage Garden 🌻
“This is the easiest way to create a garden bed. You can plant in it right away,” says the creator. “Start with some cardboard on the ground where you want your bed to go. Make sure the cardboard pieces overlap.”
According to the TikToker, the cardboard prevents any light from reaching the ground, so everything underneath – including grass and weeds – dies to give you a clean slate for your garden. Cardboard, meanwhile, is biodegradable and breaks down naturally over time.
“Then soak the cardboard well with water, and it’s time to add compost,” says the TikToker. “Compost at home is best, but if you don’t have it, then peat-free compost bought at the grocery store works well. Spread the compost over the cardboard. Ideally, you want it to be at least three inches thick so you can start growing. . in this instant.”
How does it help?
With this without digging pirateYou don’t need a green thumb – it can help anyone get started.
It’s worth it because gardening really piles up the returns. If you grow your own foodcan you save money on trips to the grocery store and you know you’re eating crops without chemicals.
Community gardening has also been shown to improve mental and physical health, such as those who share they are more optimistic and less stressed, and report significantly higher levels of subjective well-being.
Entering the ground also increases your physical activity, and leads to an increased fiber intake, which can have a range of health benefitsincluding lower cholesterol levels and even a longer life.
Finally, you can reduce your environmental impact by reducing the demand for store-bought foods, which are often shipped long distances—sometimes even across the globe.
What everyone says
“No-dig is awesome,” wrote one commenter.
Another user said: “We love cardboard,” and the creator jokingly replied: “Half my time in the garden is just spent tearing up boxes.”
“This attracts worms and is great for roots,” added a third TikToker.
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