10 Time-Saving Gardening Hacks for Busy Moms
Do you want to have a garden but are struggling to find time amidst the hustle and bustle of the daily grind? If so, I’m going to give you 10 time-saving gardening hacks tailored specifically for busy moms, that will help you to cultivate and maintain the garden you’ve always wanted.
Let me encourage you, if I can do it, (a hot mess of a mama) so can you. Life is busy but let me give you a few of my secrets that make it work for our family.

Time-Saving Gardening Hacks for Busy Moms
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1. Set up Good Systems
My best tip is to start your garden off right by choosing a low-maintenance layout or gardening area that you like and will work for you. Start small and build from there.
For me, that means raised bed garden boxes with mulched walkways in between. This translates to minimal weeding, controlled soil, easy access, and good drainage.
By taking the time to set up a good garden system on the onset of your gardening journey, you will ensure a more low-maintance garden that you will enjoy for years to come.

2. Get the Tools You Need
Once again, if you start out right, you are setting yourself up for success. With that being said, get the tools you need to maintain your garden. These can include hand trowels, lightweight pruning shears, electric trimmers, gloves, etc. Each of these tools are designed to make gardening easier and more efficient for busy moms, so get what you need.
Here are a list of my go to garden tools: (Amazon Affiliate Links)
- Leather Gloves
- Gardening Gloves
- Shovel
- Hoe
- Hand Trowel
- Hand Cultivator
- Handheld Weeder Stick
- Pruning Shears
- Jute Twine
3. Only Grow What You Will Enjoy and Your Family Will Eat
Grow only what you will enjoy and your family will eat. Don’t grow baskets-full of zucchini if no one in your family likes to eat it. Choose foods everyone will be excited about or flowers that you think are beautiful.
I like to think through what I will do with the potential harvest. This gives me a motivation for tending and caring for the garden through the entire season. If homemade, fresh salsa with homegrown tomatoes, peppers, and onions is on my bucket list, then I’m going to work to achieve that goal, knowing that none of my hard work will be wasted.

4. Mulch for Weed Control
Apply a layer of mulch around your garden beds to suppress weed growth and reduce the need for frequent weeding. Some common forms of mulch include: wood chips, hay, straw, compost, and pine needles.
This year, I am using wood chips for the walkways and will by laying hay around the plants in the beds. It will help to retain moisture in the soil while keeping my plants hydrated. Thus saving time in watering.

5. Experiment with Companion Planting
Don’t let the term ‘companion planting’ scare you. It’s simply the idea that certain plants can complement or weaken each other if planted together. When you have plants that grow well together you will have fewer pest problems, fewer plant problems, and fewer soil problems.
The quickest way to do start companion planting is to find a chart online and map out your garden; pairing plants in a way that complement each other. In the long run, you will find that this is a huge time-saving gardening hack for busy moms that you won’t want to skip.
6. Involve the Family
When it comes to gardening, involve the whole family. There are tons of fantastic garden jobs for kids that will take a lot of the load off of you. These tasks include things like watering, weeding, and harvesting.
For me, making gardening a family affair, makes it more enjoyable. I like seeing the kids with their hands in the dirt, asking questions, and finding worms. I love to see their eyes light up when the seeds they planted are sprouting, or they discover a ripe tomato on the vine. Involving family, will only up the motivation to show up to the garden everyday.

7. Install a Drip Irrigation System or Use a Sprinkler to Water
Another time-saving garden hack is to install a drip irrigation system to automate the watering process and ensure your plants receive consistent moisture. And if you are not in a position to put in an irrigation system, use a sprinkler to water for you. While it might not water perfectly, it is a time-saver that can give you a few extra minutes each day, if you need it.
8. Do a Little Everyday
One of the best time-saving gardening hacks is to do a little every day. Maintaining a garden takes time. It has to be nurtured to thrive. I’ve found that the easiest way to do this is to visit the garden daily. Stay on top of the weeding and watering and you will find that you enjoy your garden season a lot more.

9. Plan How You Will Use Your Harvest
Consider your upcoming harvest and plan for how you are going to use it. Are you wanting fresh produce for meals, as it comes in? Or do you want to can, freeze, or dry things for the winter? If you are interested in preserving, have the tools are the materials ready, so when the harvest comes in, you are ready to deal with it. If not, all your hard work will go to waste.
10. Take Time to Enjoy Nature and the Work of Your Hands
Take moments to pause and appreciate the beauty of your surroundings, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the work of your hands. If we are filled with gratitude and a willingness to work hard, we can turn our garden into a blessing and not a burden
I hope you find these 10 time-saving gardening hacks helpful and feel inspired to implement these strategies into your garden this year. Happy Gardening!

Time-Saving Gardening Hacks Q & A
1. What are some low-maintenance crops?
Some of the best low-maintenance crops are herbs and perennials. These plants come back every year and require minimal watering, trimming, and replanting.
2. Are there any time-saving tips for dealing with garden pests?
To save time dealing with garden pests incorporate companion planting, attract beneficial insects, and utilize herbs and flowers that help to deter pests.
3. How can I save time in the planting process of gardening?
The best way to save time in the planting process is to map out your plan and stick to it. If you know exactly where everything goes, you can work efficiently and use your time wisely.