With summer around the corner, many of us are looking for ways to spruce up our gardens without breaking the bank.

If you have a few empty chocolate boxes lying around, don’t throw them away just yet—there’s a surprising way to put them to good use in your garden!



Simon Akeroyd, author of over thirty gardening books, shared this easy seed-starting hack on a social media platform.

In his video, he transforms an empty Ferrero Rocher chocolate box into a DIY seed germinator—giving new life to what would normally be trash.


Who knew that something as ordinary as a chocolate box could become a gardener’s best friend?

Simon’s method is easy to follow, and the best part? You likely already have everything you need at home!



Here’s how to turn your empty chocolate box into a mini greenhouse for your seeds:

1. Remove any leftover chocolates (and enjoy them, of course!).
2. Puncture small holes in the gold plastic lining for water drainage.
3. Fill the tray with peat or your favorite seed-starting mix.
4. Sow your seeds—whether flowers for summer blooms or vegetables for a homegrown feast.
5. Close the box—the clear lid helps trap moisture and warmth, creating a mini greenhouse effect perfect for germination.

Repurposing everyday items like this is a simple way to reduce waste while giving your garden a boost!


The response to Simon’s hack has been overwhelmingly positive, with the social media platform users eager to try it themselves.

One commenter wrote: "Genius idea, especially because it has a lid!"

Another added: "This makes so much sense! Why have I never thought of this?!"

Meanwhile, another viewer regretted throwing away their empty box, saying: "Oh for goodness' sake, I recycled one of those just the other day. Now I’m going to have to buy another one!"



If you love budget-friendly gardening ideas, here are some more clever hacks to try:

• Swap seeds with neighbors - Reduce costs and grow a wider variety of plants.
• Repurpose old furniture as planters - Turn wooden drawers or crates into beautiful flower beds.
• Save money on mulch - Use grass clippings or fallen leaves to retain moisture in your soil.
• Grow plants from kitchen scraps - Regrow green onions, lettuce, and celery in water before transplanting them into soil.

Looking for more creative ways to repurpose household items? You won’t believe how many uses your old pillows still have! Check out here.
What other creative gardening tricks do you swear by? Share your tips in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you’re preparing your garden for summer!

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