Quirky Folklore Hacks to Supercharge Your Plant Growth

Gardening isn’t just about soil, water, and sunlight. Step into the world of folklore gardening, where ancient wisdom meets a dash of whimsy, and you might just discover new ways to connect with your leafy friends.

While modern science might raise an eyebrow at some of these practices, there’s something irresistibly magical about trying them out. Here are some of my favorite quirky, folklore-inspired ways to nurture plants (and have a bit of fun while doing it).

1. Talking to Your Plants  

Ever catch yourself chatting with your monstera or whispering compliments to a stubborn tomato plant? You’re not alone. Folklore suggests that plants thrive when spoken to, absorbing the positive energy of our words. Some even believe they respond to the carbon dioxide we exhale while talking! Whether you're sharing secrets, singing lullabies, or delivering motivational speeches, this practice turns gardening into a truly interactive experience.

Try It:

Stand by your plants, take a deep breath, and say, “Good morning! You’re looking so vibrant today!” Who knows? That basil plant might just respond with an extra flavorful harvest.

2. Planting by the Moon  

Ever heard of the moon dictating more than tides? According to folklore, the moon’s phases influence plant growth. During a waxing moon (when it’s getting fuller), it's said to be the perfect time to plant leafy greens. Meanwhile, root vegetables like carrots and potatoes reportedly thrive when planted during the waning moon.

Try It:

Next time there’s a new moon, grab those kale seeds or lettuce starters. When the full moon wanes, bring out your radish seeds. If nothing else, it’s an excellent excuse to garden under the moonlit sky.

3. Playing Music for Your Plants  

Think plants don’t have taste? Think again. Folklore holds that plants enjoy music, especially sounds reminiscent of nature. Forest sounds, classical tunes, or rhythmic beats are said to encourage growth. Some even claim heavy metal works wonders if you’re really looking to amp up the energy (botanical headbanging, anyone?).

Try It:

Set up a playlist of calming forest sounds or soft jazz and place your speaker near your plants for 30 minutes a day. It’s like a little serenade for your green buddies. Bonus? It makes your space feel serene, too.

4. Eggshells for Calcium Boosts  

Eggshells have long been used in gardening folklore as a natural fertilizer. Rich in calcium, they help strengthen plant cell walls. Plus, there’s something rewarding about turning kitchen scraps into garden gold.

Try It:

Crush eggshells into tiny pieces and sprinkle them around the base of your plants. Or steep them in water overnight for a DIY calcium boost. Your tomatoes will thank you.

5. Herbal Tea Fertilizer  

Got leftover herbal tea bags or loose leaf tea? Folklore suggests herbs like chamomile and nettle can double as nutrient-packed fertilizers. Brewing for plants? Sign me up!

Try It:

After sipping your tea, compost the tea leaves into your potting soil. Or steep them again in water to create a tea “fertilizer” brew for your thirsty plants.

6. Crystals to Boost Growth Energy  

Did you know folklore attributes growth-enhancing vibes to crystals? Placing crystals like clear quartz or green aventurine near your plants is believed to magnify their positive energy, aiding plant health and harmony.

Try It:

Choose a crystal you love and place it in the soil of your houseplants. Even if you’re skeptical, it adds a lovely touch of mysticism to your garden.

7. Recite Plant Poems  

Folklore suggests plants flourish with poetry, as if the rhythmic vibrations of spoken words encourage growth. Reciting plant-themed verses or your own heartfelt creations can be a meditative and connective experience.

Try It:

Try this classic line by Emily Dickinson to start you off:

"I’ll tell you how the Sun rose,

A Ribbon at a time..."

Or recite this short rhyming plant poem made up by ai:

"Green leaves, red petals,

Growth never settles.

My love for plants will never rest,

So I’ll keep watering them with my best."

Who knows? Maybe your little green friends will respond with a burst of growth after hearing your poetic praises.

Poetry is food for the soul and (hopefully) food for your philodendron.

8. Copper for Healthy Stems  

Long before modern sprays, gardeners believed placing copper coins or wires around plants could help prevent fungal diseases and promote strong stems. It’s possible this belief stems from copper’s actual antibacterial properties.

Try It:

Find an old copper coin or wire and nestle it in the soil of your container plants, or use copper wire and stick that in your soil. It’s a charming touch of folklore that doubles as quirky decor.

A Touch of Folklore, a Whole Lot of Fun

Will all of them work? Maybe, maybe not—but gardening is as much about creativity and connection as it is science.

Give one or all of these quirky ideas a try. And if nothing else, you’ll have an even deeper bond with your growing patch of green. Remember, the heart of gardening lies not only in the results but in the joy of the process.

Which folklore practice are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts (or plant poems!) in the comments below.