Gardeners urged to bury washing-up sponges in soil before end of July

Green-fingered Brits are being encouraged to think twice before tossing out old kitchen sponges, because they could be the unexpected secret to healthier, better-hydrated plants this summer. A gardening hack shared by YouTube channel Simple & Fast, which boasts over 526,000 subscribers, has urged gardeners to place pieces of washing-up sponge into their plant pots and garden beds before the end of July.

The video claims the trick is "worth pure gold" for improving soil health and water retention. According to the gardening enthusiast behind the tip, old sponges can absorb moisture and nutrients in the soil and release them gradually, making them perfect for the hot, dry summer months.

"They help keep the plants moist and make water last longer," the gardener said, describing the technique as ideal for people who go away on holiday or tend to forget watering schedules.

To use the hack, simply soak the sponge in water with a bit of dish soap for an hour, cut it into small pieces with scissors, and mix the pieces into the soil.

"Once we have all our sponge cut, we are going to start using it to benefit the soil of our pots and plants," the gardener explained.

The sponges not only act like mini water reservoirs, but also help prolong the effectiveness of fertilisers.

"The sponge will be in charge of dosing the fertiliser little by little," they added.

Enthusiastic viewers flooded the video's comment section. One person wrote, "Genius idea! Why on earth didn't I know this before?" while another praised it as "a great way to recycle and help your garden."

However, not everyone is convinced. Some commenters expressed concern about microplastic contamination, especially for edible plants like herbs and vegetables.

"Be careful not to use this in anything you plan to eat," one warned. "That's usually why people grow their own food, to avoid plastics and pesticides."

Others shared their own planting tips, such as using the original nursery pot to create a perfect hole in a new container or placing broken pots at the base for improved drainage.

Still, the sponge trick is being hailed as a simple and budget-friendly way to support garden health through the peak of summer, and it's as easy as raiding your kitchen drawer.