7 Ways to Garden on a Budget ...

No need to go all out at first if you’re short on funds, since there are plenty of ways to garden on a budget that can also save you time and stress. Buying too many plants can not only be expensive, but also overwhelming. Plus, aesthetically speaking, you don’t need to buy a lot of plants to make an impact. Some foliage, a few herbs or vegetables, and one or two flowers are all you need to make a dramatic impact without breaking the bank to do it.

Borrow seeds or even mature plants from a friend. Let’s say your best girlfriend has some excess hydrangeas or roses she doesn’t care about. Perhaps ask her if she’s willing to share some with you. You can then transfer them to your yard, and she’ll be free of excess work. Plus, she might even be able to give you some tips for growing the plants too. Or, if she has some extra seeds that she didn’t need or doesn’t use, ask her if you might be able to have some, or offer to give her a few dollars for them.

Seeds are much cheaper to buy than mature plants, so buy seeds, which cost just cents,or a few dollars, instead of splurging on a mature plant. You’ll not only save money, but also get to see it reach maturity, and have a greater sense of accomplishment from it.

Also, when buying supplies for gardening, try to buy them during the winter when they’re actually on sale most of the time, or in the very early spring such as in March or April. This is likely when you’ll get the best deals either from last season’s stock, or new arrivals. Never buy supplies in the heat of summer when stores know customers will buy them anyway. Buying them in the off season is the best time since retailers know they need to sell them whatever it takes, even if that means at a lower price.

When it comes to caring for your plants, be sure you water them smart. This means not letting your sprinklers run all day or all night, and using a hosepipe with a control nozzle. This will reduce the water output and won’t cost you ridiculous amounts on your water bill. It might take a bit more work on your part, but is essential if you’re gardening on a budget.

It’s also not a bad idea to take what plants or seeds you do have and divide them up, either into small pots, or just spread them out in your yard. This will reduce how much you have in one area, but will give you more product to spread out overall. Remember, a little goes a long way, especially in small spaces. Plus, overcrowding plants can also hurt their optimal growth.

Check with your local community college, or online through various gardening sites. You can often find free gardening classes at local colleges and even many websites. This will help you learn to garden easier, and do it all completely free.

I’ve found that some of the best tips for gardening on a budget are simple and easy things to do, but ones many people often forget, myself included. If you’re an avid gardener, do you have a tip for doing it all on a budget?