I work in a garden centre, here is the secret 40p trick we use to achieve bigger better blooms every time

EVER wondered why the flowers at garden centres are always bursting with colour, standing taller, and looking fresher than the ones in your own garden?

It’s not just down to expensive fertilisers or picture-perfect placement, professionals often use a surprisingly unusual item to give their plants a powerful head start – and you have probably thrown it away.

Construction Certification have teamed up with garden specialist Dawn Ridgewell to share the behind-the-scenes trick that makes displays so impressive. The secret? An old kitchen sponge.

“This is one of those little hacks that works wonders,”; says Ridgewell.

“We place a sponge beneath the root ball when planting. It soaks up water and releases it slowly — keeping moisture exactly where the plant needs it.

“It’s such a simple thing, but it makes a massive difference.”;

Sponges, which can be picked up for 40p in , help prevent soil from drying out too quickly and support root development during the crucial first few weeks after planting.

While most gardeners focus on what’s above the soil, this clever moisture trap below the surface helps flowers bloom brighter and last longer.

“It’s especially useful in pots, hanging baskets, and smaller beds where the soil dries out fast,”; Ridgewell adds.

“Garden centres use it because it works — and you can do it at home with things you already have.”;

Here are some of Ridgewell’s top professional tips for show-stopping blooms — sponge included:

Place a sponge under the root ball – “It acts as a hidden moisture reservoir and keeps watering more consistent.”;

Soak roots before planting – “A hydrated start helps the plant settle and recover from transplant shock.”;

Break up compacted soil – “It gives the roots freedom to grow and prevents waterlogging.”;

Mulch immediately –“It keeps the topsoil cooler, locks in water and makes everything look tidier.”;

Tilt plants slightly forward – “Angled planting helps flowers face the sun and makes displays appear fuller.”;

“These are all tricks we use every day — but you’d rarely find them on a label,”; she says.