Are you a beginner gardener or someone who has already spent too much money on gardening supplies? Been there, done that!
Yes, we’re all aware of the benefits of gardening. And yes, we can all agree that it can be pretty pricey.
But that doesn’t mean we should give up, and you know why? Because there are super cheap hacks that can totally change your gardening experience!
Ready to have a thriving garden without spending a fortune? I won’t keep you waiting any longer!
1. Seeds And Transplants Instead Of Large Plants!
Seeing large plants that are about to produce the most delicious fruits and veggies makes us want to buy them immediately.
Hold it right there! First, have a look at the seed packages or transplants of the plants you want to grow. The first thing you’ll notice? Way lower prices.
Germinating seeds and getting transplants to become mature plants and fruit abundantly is a lot of work. However, gardening is all about patience and it will definitely pay off in the long term.
Make a plan before the growing season and decide which plants you want in your garden based on the conditions and space available. Then, purchase the seeds and start them indoors to be ready for planting once the temperatures rise.
If you aren’t into seed starting, simply prepare your garden beds and plant the purchased seedlings directly in the ground.
Even if plants take two years to grow or produce fruits, it’s worth waiting!
2. A Compost Pile Is A Gardener’s Best Friend
Some of my friends sometimes get annoyed because I spend a lot of time talking about compost and its benefits.
But, trust me, home composting is one of the best steps to take if you’re into gardening. All kitchen scrap can end up in a compost pile or bin, and your soil will be ten times healthier once amended.
And there are so many things you can compost, not only kitchen waste. Clumps of dust, shredded paper towel rolls, and 100% cotton clothes all make the perfect addition to compost piles because they’ll decompose and release nutrients.
I know some of you might not be interested in composting, but you can contact your local municipal waste service and get compost for very low prices.
3. Get Wood Chips For Free From Local Tree Companies
Mulching – something that totally changed my gardening experience. The list of benefits of mulching is endless, and if you’re weighing whether it’s the right option for you, let me give you a few reasons.
• Helps the soil retain moisture
• Regulates soil temperature
• Suppresses weed growth
There are numerous mulches available, but if you don’t want to spend any money, wood chips are your best bet.
Local tree companies are always happy to share some wood chips with you and all you need is to contact them.
If you aren’t lucky enough to have this type of service in your region, then consider other cheap mulch options.
Grass clippings, pine needles, and shredded leaves are some materials that make perfect mulch.
4. Homemade Fertilizers Are Revolutionary
Feeding our plants results in healthier growth and more fruits and veggies, so we shouldn’t skip this part.
However, when we take a look at fertilizer prices, we may rethink our decision to feed our plants in general. This especially refers to organic and high-quality fertilizers.
Well, the solution is homemade fertilizers! Banana peels, citrus peels, and coffee grounds are just a few of the ingredients that can be a part of your homemade fertilizer.
5. Purchase Cuttings And Seedlings From Local Gardeners
I have many plants in my garden, which means I’m pruning all the time. I’m left with a bunch of cuttings that I either sell or give to my friends.
I’m sure there are many gardeners in your local community that would be happy to sell, gift, or exchange seedlings or cuttings.
Propagating plants may seem challenging, especially to novice gardeners. Luckily, this isn’t true and all you need to do is give it a try.
Herb cuttings root easily, so you can have thriving rosemary, dill, or basil in no time and you’ll spend only a few dollars.
6. Rainwater Harvesting Will Take Things To A Whole New Level
Rain barrels are definitely the best investment I’ve ever made! Harvesting rainwater is the easiest way to lower your water bills.
I built one with a 20-foot gutter, a diverter, and a 50 gal food-safe barrel for about $100 ten years ago. I almost never have to use city water in my garden.
Nowadays, it may be a little more expensive, and even $100 isn’t really cheap. However, if you track your water bills and calculate how much money you spend on your garden, the price for a rainwater installation would seem very, very low.
If you have a small garden, put a bucket in your yard, collect rainwater, and water your plants. It will make a difference!
7. REUSE AND RECYCLE!
Finally, reusing and recycling waste, no matter the type, is cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
For instance, if you grow sunflowers, do not throw away the stalks after harvesting. They’ll make perfect structural support for pole beans.
Toilet paper rolls are great for seed-starting, as are egg shells. Making plant labels from old plastic containers or using plastic forks to deter animals are other helpful options.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to be creative and experiment. Gardening is super fun and, as you can see, it doesn’t always need to be expensive.
The era of spending a fortune on gardening items and plants is finally over! Embrace the joy of gardening without the hefty price tag by implementing these budget-friendly tricks!