A beautiful garden can cost you more than it’s worth if you aren’t careful… That’s why I’m sharing 25+ ways I’ve found to save money gardening!
Use Grass Clippings for Weed Barrier
Buying a good weed barrier fabric is expensive, and it only lasts if its covered with rock or bark (or the like). If you don’t spend even more money to cover your weed barrier fabric, it breaks down in a year (sometimes less!)
Grass clippings to the rescue! Did you know that plain old grass clippings (from your lawn mower) make an awesome weed barrier? They really do! Spread your grass clippings between garden rows, around the base of your fence, or where ever you need to keep the weeds down!
Using grass clippings for weed barrier saves you money, energy (or weeding) and it builds the soil!!!
Start plants from seed.
Seeds are much cheaper than buying transplants, and you’ll get a wider variety of plants to choose from.
Just make sure to harden off your plants before planting them outside! Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Harden off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors to prevent transplant shock, a common culprit behind seedling death.
This is crucial and gradually introduces your indoor-raised plants to the harsher outdoor environment.
Start by bringing small plants outside for short stints in dappled sunlight, gradually increasing the duration and intensity of sunlight exposure over a week. Mimic outdoor conditions by letting them experience cooler nights and gentle breezes.
Save seeds.
Saving seeds from your favorite plants is a great way to get free seeds for next year’s garden. I keep paper and plastic bags with seeds from my favorite melons, squash and flowers for the next year!
This saves me a decent amount of money and I always have more than enough seeds to use and share. Plus these seeds can last for 2 years!
Direct sow as much as possible.
Many vegetables, such as beans, peas, lettuce, carrots, beats, garlic, and spinach, can be sown directly into the garden bed. This save you time and money required to start them indoors!
Find free soil amendments.
You can often find free compost, leaves, and other organic matter from your neighbors or local landscaping companies. Many tree trimming companies will give you the chipped up trees and this makes great ground cover!
Keep Chickens
Chicken are great for the garden… And the garden is great for chickens. Keeping chickens in a coop close to the garden is a great way to recycle and reuse!
Chickens love old overripe fruits and veggies… And plants love crushed up egg shells! plus chicken eat all the bugs that venture into their yard!
Cleaning out the coop or the chicken yard gives you a great fertilizer too!
Save Money Gardening with Compost.
Compost your kitchen scraps and yard waste to create a free and nutritious soil amendment for your plants.
Preserve what you grow!
Canning, freezing, and drying are great ways to preserve your harvest so you can enjoy it all year long.
Make friends with other gardeners.
Other gardeners can be a great source of free plants, seeds, and advice. Friends are always offering me cuttings from their flowers… And I love how that saves money on flowers that will thrive in my area!
You can also host a friends seed swap and share the different seeds everyone has saved!
Borrow or buy used gardening tools.
You don’t need to buy all new gardening tools. See if you can borrow tools from friends or family!
A great place to buy second hand tolls are at garage sales, in thrift stores, and on FB Marketplace!
Only grow what you eat.
I think most gardeners have made this mistake at least once… And maybe every year… I know I have!
But, there’s no point in growing vegetables that you’re not going to eat. Plan your garden based on what your family enjoys!
Grow edible perennials to save money!
I LOVE perennials… Perennial flowers and vegies come back every year! Plant once and harvest for several seasons. They’re the ultimate money saving gardening hack!
Perennial vegetables, like asparagus, rhubarb, and artichokes, will come back year after year, saving you money on seeds or transplants.
Perennial Vegetables:
- Asparagus
- Rhubarb
- Globe Artichokes
- Horseradish
- Leeks
- Chives
- Garlic
- Walking Onions
- Sorrel
- Skirret
Perennial Fruits:
- Strawberries (Technically not perennial, but can fruit for many years with proper care and they reproduce new plants.)
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Goji Berries
- Huckleberries
- Kiwi
- Fruit Trees (Apple, Pear, Peach, Fig, etc.)
Save Money Gardening with Water
- Group thirsty plants together: Plants with similar water needs clustered together benefit from a single deep watering, reducing overall water usage.
- Water at the right time: Early morning watering minimizes evaporation compared to the heat of the day.
- Mulch strategically: A thick layer of mulch around plants reduces water evaporation from the soil, which can save you money on your water bill. You can use free materials like leaves, straw, or grass clippings for mulch!
Use Natural Pest Control
- Plant companion crops: Certain plants like marigolds deter pests from their neighbors. Research companion planting strategies for your specific plants.
- Attract beneficial insects: Ladybugs and lacewings love to munch on aphids. Plant dill, fennel, and yarrow to create a haven for these helpful predators.
- Homemade deterrents: Try natural sprays like neem oil or garlic water to discourage pests without harsh chemicals.
Save Money Gardening with Recycled Containers
- Upcycle household items: Repurpose old buckets, colanders, or even tires into unique and affordable planters.
- Vertical gardening: Utilize vertical spaces like walls or fences with hanging baskets or fabric planters. This maximizes space for container gardening.
- Self-watering containers: Invest in a few self-watering containers for high-maintenance plants, reducing your watering frequency.
Barter!
- Seed swaps with a twist: Instead of just seeds, organize a plant and harvest swap with neighbors. Share extra seedlings or homegrown produce.
- Community composting: If your community allows it, consider creating a shared composting space with neighbors. This reduces individual composting needs and creates nutrient-rich fertilizer for everyone.
Invest in the Long-Term
- Invest in quality tools: Buying a well-made tool that lasts for years is more cost-effective in the long run than replacing cheap tools frequently.
- Propagate existing plants: Divide perennials or take cuttings to create new plants for free, expanding your garden without buying new ones.
- Focus on heirloom seeds: Heirloom seeds are open-pollinated, meaning you can save seeds from your harvest for next year’s planting, reducing future seed purchases.
