Are you green with envy seeing your neighbors’ beautiful gardens but feel you can’t afford to create one? Not to worry! Here are a few of our favorite hacks for growing the garden of your dreams without breaking the bank.
Gardening is a fantastic hobby that brings joy and a sense of accomplishment. But it can also sometimes feel like a costly endeavor. Good news! Gardening on a budget is entirely doable! With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can grow a thriving collection of plants without emptying your wallet. Here are some tips to get you started:
1. Start with Seeds
Seeds are significantly cheaper than buying established plants. Look for seed packets at your local nursery or online. You’ll be surprised by the wide variety of plants available as seeds, and it’s an excellent way to grow rare and unique varieties. You may even find a seed “lending library” that allows you to take seeds at the beginning of the season and return with your own seeds after you’ve collected your harvest.
2. Swap and Share
Connect with fellow gardeners in online forums or local gardening groups, and consider organizing a community seed or plant swap. It’s a fun way to exchange plants, seeds, and gardening tips without spending a dime. (And you might even make some new friends!)
3. Compost Your Kitchen Scraps
Creating your compost is an environmentally-friendly way to save money on fertilizer. Build your bin using materials you have on hand, and compost kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells to make nutrient-rich soil additives for your garden. You can even employ some wiggly friends to give you a hand with worm composting. Read How to Start Worm Composting to find out more.
4. Upcycle Containers
Fancy pots and planters look nice, but there’s no need to splurge. Get creative with upcycling! Use old buckets, crates, jars, cans, or tires to grow your plants. Just make sure to drill holes for drainage. (For more ideas, check out 6 DIY Ways to Upcycle Your Garden.)
5. Propagate Plants
Take advantage of plants that can be easily propagated. Many plants, such as herbs, succulents, and certain flowers, can be grown from cuttings or by dividing larger plants and using a glass of water to help them grow new roots. Get cuttings from friends or even multiply some of the plants you already have.
6. Visit Garage Sales and Thrift Stores
Before purchasing shiny new equipment, you should first determine what pieces are necessary to have on hand. Then, watch for gardening tools, pots, and other supplies at garage sales and thrift stores. Second-hand items can often be found in excellent condition at a fraction of the cost.
7. Opt for Perennials
Perennials stay in the ground and return year after year, saving you time and money. Look for perennial varieties of shrubs, flowers, vegetables, and other plants that are well-suited to your region, and you’ll always have a ready-to-tend garden the next growing season.
8. Save Rainwater
Invest in a rain barrel, or use any large containers to collect rainwater for watering your garden. Since there are no treatment chemicals, rainwater is not only better for your plants, but it also lowers your water bill by skipping the hose.
9. DIY Trellises and Supports
Instead of buying expensive trellises and plant supports, consider making your own. Repurpose materials like bamboo, wooden stakes, ladders, pallets, old wire fencing, or just about anything tall and sturdy you may have on hand.
10. Take Advantage of Free Resources
Many municipalities offer free or discounted compost, wood chips, or mulch. Contact your local government or waste management department to see if these resources are available. You can also check local newspapers or online listings for materials that are being given away or sold for cheap.
Gardening on a budget doesn’t mean sacrificing the beauty and productivity of your plants. By getting creative, recycling, and making the most of free and inexpensive resources, you can easily grow a bountiful harvest and reap the benefits of your beautiful garden.
For more gardening tips and tricks, check out Four Easy-Themed Gardens, Tips for Attracting Bees to Your Garden, and How to Keep Pesticides Out of Your Garden.
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