Gardening is a fulfilling hobby, but it can be expensive. The good news is, a flourishing garden doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Here’s how to cultivate a beautiful, vibrant garden without breaking the budget.
Start small and plan ahead
It’s tempting to fill your garden with everything that catches your eye, but it’s best to start small. Do some research to learn which low-maintenance plants can thrive in your local climate and soil conditions. Then, create a small garden plan that will help you avoid impulse buys. Once you’ve mastered your small garden, move on to something bigger until you have the garden of your dreams.
Source free or affordable seeds and plants
Watching a flower or vegetable grow from seed to blossom is a uniquely rewarding experience. As a bonus, seeds are generally far more affordable than seedlings. Get your seeds at community library and gardening club seed swaps, where you can exchange seeds with fellow gardeners at no cost. Alternatively, you can ask your friends or neighbors if they have plants to share.
Use household items for DIY planters
Instead of purchasing expensive pots or planters, repurpose items you already have. With some creativity, old buckets, crates and coffee cans can make excellent planters. Drill drainage holes in the bottom and decorate them to suit your style.
Purchase tools at the dollar store
There’s no need to blow big bucks on gardening tools like trowels and watering cans. You’ll find all kinds of gardening tools that do the job just fine at your local dollar store for half the cost.
Make your own compost
Skip store-bought fertilizers by starting your own compost pile. Kitchen scraps, like fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds and eggshells, can break down into nutrient-rich compost for your plants.
Share or rent expensive equipment
Before you blow half your salary on expensive gardening equipment, like aerators or electric trimmers, find out if any of your friends and neighbors would be willing to lend theirs out. Alternatively, you can rent the tools you’ll only need a few times a season from a home improvement store.
Shop smart for gardening supplies
Timing is everything when it comes to purchasing gardening supplies. Visit nurseries and garden centers at the end of the season, when many plants, tools and accessories are deeply discounted. Look for clearance sections where you can find items at a fraction of their original cost.
Grow perennials
Investing in perennials will take away the need to replant annually, offering you some savings in the long run. Popular budget-friendly perennials include lavender, daylilies and hostas.
Embrace mulching
Instead of buying commercial mulch, use free or low-cost alternatives like grass clippings, shredded leaves or wood chips from tree trimmers. If you don’t have enough of these in your own yard, you can sometimes source them for free from local landscaping companies.
Use the tips outlined here to learn how to garden on a budget.
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