Thrifty Gardening Tips to Save Money
Saving on Plants
- Buy bare-root plants: These are cheaper than pot-grown plants and just need a little extra care when planting.
- Split perennials: You can divide many perennials to get more plants for free.
- Cut potatoes in half before planting: This will double your crop.
- Join your local gardening group: You can swap seeds and plants with other members.
- Shop online for garden supplies: You can often find good deals on plants and seeds online.
- Buy plants from the reduced section: Stores often sell plants that are past their best at a discount.
Saving on Other Gardening Supplies
- Reuse plastic plant labels: Wash them and use a pencil to mark them so you can reuse them next year.
- Join recycling networks: You can find free gardening equipment on websites like Freecycle and Freegle.
- Find out if your council offers discounted products: Some councils offer discounts on compost bins and water butts.
- Use old net curtains as netting: They make a great barrier to protect your plants from pests.
- Use toilet rolls as plant pots: They’re biodegradable and make transplanting easy.
- Use old plastic bottles to make plant labels: Cut them into label-sized pieces and write on them with a pencil.
- Use old plastic bottles to make cloches: They create a warm micro-climate for young plants.
Other Thrifty Tips
- Swap seeds and plants with neighbors: You can save a lot of money by sharing with others.
- Make a cold frame using a window: This is a cheap way to extend your growing season.
- Pick up old plant pots from garden centers: They’re often willing to give away used pots.
- Use tin cans to make cane toppers: This will protect you from injury when gardening.
- Reuse old pallets to make garden furniture: You can create planters, raised beds, and more.
- Don’t impulse buy: Plan ahead and only buy what you need.
- Look after your tools: Clean and maintain your tools to prolong their life.
