How to Save Money Gardening
There are many ways in which gardening can save you money. There’s the obvious mark up that many grocery stores carry because they brick-and-mortar businesses with their own price points they have to meet before profit. So when you buy your produce from them you’re also paying their rent, electricity, and employees. There is also the markup from the manufacturer who’s had to package and market their product as well. Even bananas that don’t require packaging have their own ad campaign. All of that adds into the cost that you pay when purchasing your produce at the store.
How to Save Money Gardening
A less expensive option is to buy your produce at farmer’s markets or farmstands. Buying directly from growers is a great way to save money. You don’t have to pay much extra for things that you have to pay for with big stores. There is the added time that procuring your produce this way will take though. And time does equal money as well.
As a parent who lives a consciously frugal lifestyle and also chooses quality as often as we can afford I have dabbled in growing my own food for my family. I am concerned like most parents about the content and quality of what my family eats but the cost of local and organic is sometimes out of reach. I dream of walking out to my garden and picking handfuls of veggies and herbs to sustain and nourish my family, but the reality is that I have a husband, three kids, two cats, and a household to run like a boss. I simply don’t have the space in my world to add “farmer” to my extensive homemaker resume. So unless it is pretty spelled out for me, I have a tough time figuring out if it is worth it.
In the long run, with a little hard work and research putting together a garden that can help cut food costs and save you time is well worth it. Read this article about how to start a garden for more information and ideas on how to implement this cost cutting lifesaver.
10 Fun and Frugal Tips to Save Money on Spring Gardening
Spring is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and start a beautiful garden. But let’s be real – gardening expenses can add up quickly! Luckily, with a little creativity and some savvy strategies, you can cultivate a lush garden without emptying your wallet. Here are 10 fun and frugal tips to save money on spring gardening:
Start from Seeds, Not Seedlings
Seed packets are significantly cheaper than nursery-grown seedlings. Plus, you get more variety and the joy of watching your plants grow from scratch!
Gardeners Basics Survival Vegetable Seeds Garden Kit Over 16,000 Seeds Non-GMO and Heirloom
DIY Compost
Skip the pricey store-bought fertilizers and make your own compost using kitchen scraps like eggshells, coffee grounds, and vegetable peels. Mother Earth will thank you!
Share and Swap
Team up with fellow gardeners to exchange seeds, cuttings, and tools. Community swaps save money and build friendships – it’s a win-win!
Recycle and Upcycle
Turn household items into gardening treasures. Egg cartons make perfect seed starters, and old buckets become charming planters.
Harvest Rainwater
Cut down on your water bill by collecting rainwater. A simple rain barrel or a few strategically placed buckets will do the trick.
Propagate Your Plants
Multiply your garden for free by propagating plants through cuttings. Herbs like mint and basil are super easy to root in water.
Shop Smart
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and clearance events at garden centers. You can score big on plants, soil, and tools!
Visit your local farmers market, some may be selling fruit and veggie plants that are cheaper than buying from big stores.
Use Natural Pest Control
Forget expensive chemicals. Use household staples like dish soap spray or crushed eggshells to deter pests.
Grow Perennials
Invest in perennial plants that return year after year. They save you money and keep your garden blooming with less effort.
Plan and Prioritize
Create a gardening plan to avoid impulse buys. Focus on high-yield veggies or flowers you truly love to maximize your garden’s value.
Start your garden in a small area. That way you can prepare the soil properly and you’re not wasting your resources. You can use containers or raised beds.
10 Must-Haves for Gardening Newbies
If you’re new to gardening, don’t worry – it’s easier (and more fun!) than you think. With the right tools and essentials, you’ll be on your way to a thriving garden in no time. Here are 10 must-haves to get you started:
1. Gloves
Protect your hands from dirt, thorns, and blisters. Look for durable, waterproof gloves with a comfortable fit.
2 Pairs Gardening Gloves for Women
2. Trowel
A sturdy trowel is your best friend for planting, digging, and weeding.
3. Watering Can or Hose
Keep your plants happy and hydrated with a good-quality watering can or a lightweight garden hose.
2 Gallon Watering Can for Outdoor Plants
4. Garden Shears
Trim, prune, and shape your plants with sharp garden shears. They’re essential for maintaining a tidy garden.
gonicc 8″ Professional Premium Titanium Bypass Pruning Shears
5. Compost Bin
Start a compost bin for free organic fertilizer. Your plants will love the nutrient boost!
6. Seeds or Seedlings
Choose easy-to-grow plants like tomatoes, lettuce, and marigolds to kick off your gardening journey.
55 Vegetable Seeds Variety Pack
7. Gardening Journal
Keep track of what you plant, when you water, and how your garden grows. It’s a fun and helpful way to learn as you go.
8. Mulch
Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep your garden looking fresh. Straw, wood chips, or grass clippings work great.
9. Raised Garden Bed (Optional)
For better drainage and easier access, consider a raised garden bed. It’s a game-changer for small spaces!
10. Patience and Enthusiasm
Gardening takes time, but the rewards are worth it. Celebrate the small wins and enjoy every bloom and harvest!
With these money-saving tips and beginner must-haves, you’re ready to create a stunning spring garden without breaking the bank. Happy gardening!
GARDENING MUST-HAVES
Building Creative Raised Garden Beds
Gardening Tips – Bug Repelling Plants
Teaching Kids About Gardening with a Plant Journal
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