Gardening is a great pass time and a great way to save money. Starting a garden can be a bit costly. This is often the reason people decide not to start this hobby. The good news is that with a little work you can save money and even get your garden started for next to nothing.
While beautiful raised garden beds are popular they are not the only way to get your garden started. Raised garden beds cost a lot of money to get started from the frames to the soil. Stick with an inground bed for your garden to reduce the cost. The biggest cost of an inground garden bed is the elbow grease needed to make it happen.
Make your own compost to feed your garden. A simple compost pile or upcycled compost bin using a container you have around the house is a great start. Before your compost is ready you can feed your garden for free with used coffee grounds, banana peels, and finely ground eggshells and bones from meats you fed your family.
Start your plants from seed. Plants can cost a lot of money at the local garden center. This can be very discouraging. The good news is that you can start your own plants from seeds for relatively cheap. Many dollar stores have seeds for $1 or even as cheap as 4 for $1. this can make starting your garden relatively inexpensive.
Regrowing vegetables from scraps is a new trend that is actually quite a good idea for those of us that need a frugal way to start their garden. Regrowing foods you commonly eat is a great way to supply your garden with plants that are foods you will use. When planning to regrow food, look for organic varieties at the supermarket. Conventionally grown produce is often sprayed with chemicals to stunt sprouting and growth.
Join a plant swap or ask fellow gardeners for cuttings. This is a great way to get new plants for your garden for free and even allows you to share plants from your garden with others.
At the end of the season save seeds for next year’s garden to help you start the next season for free.
Borrow gardening tools. Most of us have things like a shovel and a rake at home. If you do not have the tools you should ask around and see what you can borrow to get you started. This is a great way to find out what garden tools you like best before buying later on. Also watch for used ones at garage sales you can usually pick them up super cheap!
Upcycle containers for starting seedlings, transporting water, and even using as planting pots. Using items you already have is a great way to save money and to make a positive impact on the planet by giving something a new use instead of tossing it into the trash.
Learning how to garden can be a fun adventure. Taking advantage of your local library for books, websites online for tips and free gardening classes are all great ways to get the information you need without paying anything.