If you’ve ever purchased flowers from a garden centre due to how tall and fresh they looked, only to get them home and they begin to droop, an expert has shared a simple trick to try. Whilst many people may think garden centres use expensive fertilisers or picture-perfect placement, a professional has said this is not the case.

Construction Certification, respected UK construction experts, have teamed up with garden specialist Dawn Ridgewell to share the behind-the-scenes trick that makes the displays so impressive. According to the expert, it all lies within one simple kitchen item: a sponge.

The expert said: “This is one of the little hacks that works wonders. 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 help to prevent the soil from drying out too quickly and support root development during the crucial first few weeks after planting.

Whilst most gardeners focus on what’s above the soil, this “clever” moisture trap trick below the surface helps achieve “brighter blooms” that “last longer”.

The garden specialist added: “It’s especially useful in pots, hanging baskets, and smaller beds where the soil dries out fast. Garden centres use it because it works, and you can do it at home with things you already have.”

To use this trick at home, place a sponge under the root ball and then soak the roots before planting them. A hydrated start helps the plant settle and recover from transplant shock, according to Dawn.

Then, break up the compacted soil before mulching immediately and then tilt the plants slightly forward. The expert noted: “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.”

A spokesperson for Construction Certification said: “Constructing your garden the right way starts with what’s below the surface.

“Even something as basic as a sponge can help manage moisture and reduce waste. It’s about thinking practically and using materials you already have to improve the environment around your plants. That’s how you get results that last.”