7 Best Ways To Garden on a Budget
For those who love gardening, it can be a very fulfilling and rewarding hobby, but there’s a misconception that gardening costs too much. Gardening doesn’t have to break the bank if you know the right tips and techniques. With just a touch of creativity and resources, anyone can create a beautiful garden of their choice on a limited budget. We have prepared some easy and practical tips & techniques that can help you cultivate a thrifty yet stunning garden. Learn how to save money on plants, tools, and materials while still achieving the garden of your dreams
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1. Start with a plan
Before you dive into your gardening project, you need to develop a clear and transparent plan. Figure out a simple layout for your garden , determine the plant choices you want, and if possible design elements that you desire for your garden. Having a well-thought-out plan can help you a lot in making informed decisions and avoid any unnecessary expenses.
2. Save seeds and propagate plants
One of the most budget-friendly ways to expand your home garden is by having seeds from the existing plants or by propagating them through cuttings or divisions. Many of the plants can be easily propagated, including herbs, vegetables and perennials. By growing various plants from seed and cuttings, you can save tons of money on purchasing new plants and enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing them from the very beginning.
3. Low Cost Plants or Seek Free
Try to take advantage of plant exchanges, community gardening groups or even local gardening clubs where gardeners often share or swap plants. Aditionally, keep an eye out for the discounted or clearance sections at garden centers and nurseries, where you can find perfectly healthy plants at a fraction of the original price. Another option is to plant swaps or exchange that are often organzed by your local gardening centers or botanical gardens.
4. Embrace Perennials
If you are to invest in perennial plants, it can be a cost effective strategy for long-term gardening. Perennial plants are those plants that live throughout the year, they return year after year, providing beauty to your garden without any need to replant anually.
Prennial plants also tend to multiply and can be divided, allowing you to expand your garden or share plant with others
5. DIY Compost and Mulch
Compost and mulch can are the valuable asset and resources that can make your garden healthy and disease free, however you can make them yourself at little to no cost at all. Collect fallen leaves in your areas, grass clippings, and kitchen scraps to create a very nutrient-rich compost. Enhance usage of grass clippings, wood chips or shredded newspaper as a mulch to conserve moisture of soil, supress weeds, and improve soil health. You can save tons of money by producing your own mulch.
6. Repurpose and Upcycle
Instead of buying new gardening decoration and containers, repurpose them items from around your home or try to find inexpensive alternatives. USe old bucket, tires or even wooden crates can come in handy as planters, and transform discarded items like wine bottles, tin cans and other type of bottles into unique accents. Get as creative as you can with repurposing and give new life to itmes that would have otherwise ended up in the trash. This is a great initiative to keep your garden beautiful and save the environment.
7. Share Tools and Other Equipments
Consider sharing tools and other equipment with your neighbours or friends who also have a passion for gardening just like you. It’s not necessary that everyone needs to own every tools. Share a word or two with your neighbours who have same gardening interests as you and try collaborating and sharing resource , this not only saves money but also promotes community connections.
