If you’ve indulged in a box of chocolates this Valentine’s Day, don’t be so quick to toss out the empty packaging.

A gardening expert has revealed a simple, eco-friendly way to reuse old chocolate boxes to help you grow beautiful flowers and veggies, just in time for the upcoming growing season.

Simon Akeroyd, a well-known gardening author with over thirty books to his name, shared his innovative recycling hack with his 763.7k TikTok followers.

In the video, Simon demonstrates how to turn an empty chocolate box, such as a Ferrero Rocher box, into a handy seed germinator to give your plants the perfect start.

The process is surprisingly easy. Simon starts by removing the chocolates from the box (which, of course, gives you the perfect excuse to finish off any leftover treats). He then reuses the golden lining of the box to create a makeshift seed tray.

After poking small drainage holes in the bottom, Simon fills the tray with peat and sows his chosen seeds, whether they’re flowers, vegetables, or herbs.

The clever trick is that the original chocolate box acts as the ideal propagator for your seeds.

By placing the seed tray back inside the box and covering it with the lid, Simon creates a mini greenhouse effect.

The warm, humid environment inside the box encourages seed germination, giving your plants the ideal conditions to grow strong and healthy.

He then places the DIY propagator on a sunny windowsill to kickstart the process.

Simon’s creative recycling idea has struck a chord with viewers, who flooded the comments section with praise.

One commenter said: “Genius idea, especially because it has a lid,” while another added: “Why have I never thought of this before?!”

The tip has also sparked lighthearted comments.

One user jokingly said: “Great way to reuse! And great excuse to have the chocolates,” while another humorously added: “I thought we were going to grow Ferrero Rocher!”

This gardening hack is not only practical but also sustainable, as it encourages reusing packaging instead of sending it straight to the trash.