Gardening is a great way to reconnect with nature, de-stress, and produce your own healthy, organic food. Although it can be enjoyable, pursuing this hobby may come with a high cost. Buying seeds and plants to purchase tools and equipment, gardening can quickly add up. If you’re on a tight budget but still want to indulge in your green thumb, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many ways to enjoy gardening on a budget.
Here are some tips to get you started on your thrifty planting journey:
Start Small and Plan Ahead
The first step in gardening on a budget is to plan your garden and start small. Before you buy any plants, sketch out a plan of what you want your garden to look like. Consider factors such as soil quality, sunlight exposure, and water accessibility. Starting small and focusing on a few key plants can save you a lot of money in the long run. Once you’ve made your plan, choose plants that are hardy, disease-resistant, and easy to grow, such as tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, or herbs.
Start with seeds
Seeds are a more affordable way to start your garden. Instead of buying mature plants, try starting from seed. Seeds are easy to find at local garden stores or even online. You can also swap seeds with friends and neighbours to save even more.
Reuse containers
Don’t waste your money on fancy pots or planters. Reuse old containers you have at home such as old jars, cans, or plastic containers. These items can be upcycled into planters with just a little bit of creativity and DIY skills.
Choose the right plants
Plants that are well-suited to your climate and environment. This will help reduce the need for expensive soil, fertilizers, and pesticides. Consider growing perennials that will come back year after year, saving you money in the long run.
Take care of your tools
Your garden tools are an investment that can last for years if they are well-maintained. Keep them clean and dry to avoid rust and deterioration. Use a sharpening tool to keep them sharp and efficient.
Get creative with garden decor
Rather than buying expensive decorations for your garden, why not make them yourself? Use old glass bottles to make beautiful garden ornaments, create a unique trellis from branches or twigs, or even make a fairy garden using miniature figures and small plants.
Compost
Turn your kitchen and garden waste into rich compost that can be used to improve soil quality. Not only will this reduce the amount of waste going to landfills, but it will also provide a free source of nutrients for your garden.
Swap plants with friends
Trading plants with friends and neighbours can help you acquire new plants for free. Not only will this expand your garden collection, but it’s also a great way to socialize and build community.
DIY plant food
Instead of buying expensive fertilizers, make your own using kitchen scraps and organic materials. This is not only cost-effective, but it’s also environmentally friendly.
Opt for perennials
Plants that grow back every year are known as perennial. They might be a bit more expensive than annuals, but they’re worth the investment in the long run. Not only will you save money on having to buy new plants every year, but you’ll also have less work to do because you won’t have to replant your garden annually.
Learn How to Save Seeds
One of the easiest ways to save money on gardening is to learn how to save seeds. Instead of buying seeds every year, save the seeds from your existing plants. Once the plants have finished flowering and the seed heads have dried out, carefully collect the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place.
Build Your Garden
Creating your garden bed is a cost-effective way to grow your plants and keep them healthy. You can build a garden bed using materials you have around your home, such as wooden pallets, cinder blocks, or bricks. Just be sure to choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight per day, and amend your soil with organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or shredded leaves.
Gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. By being imaginative and innovative, it's possible to experience the advantage of gardening without spending a lot of money. Why not start planning your affordable and thrifty garden today?
