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So, you want to start a garden but don’t have any money to spend? It is possible to garden for free, but it takes a little creativity. If you’re new to gardening, it’s best to learn as much as you can from blogs, podcasts, and books about gardening. Then, you can plan out your garden and what you’d like to plant. What you’ll learn is that you don’t have to spend a ton of money, or even any at all, to have a thriving garden. To get started, you can use these nine ideas on how to garden for free.
1. Propagate from Existing Plants
Do friends or family already have a garden? If you want to garden for free, you can propagate new plants from theirs. Use a stem cutting from their plant and put it in water or soil. You can also try leaf cuttings, layering, or division. Not all plants propagate the same way, so use the method that works best.
2. Join a Seed Swap
Have you heard of seed swaps? See if there are any in your area! Sometimes libraries offer seed lending programs, or online groups will offer free seeds. You can always post on local buy nothing groups that you are in search of seeds. This is a great way to start your garden on a budget and many gardeners are happy to share.
3. Use Household Items
You don’t have to use fancy gardening items to get started. You can repurpose kitchen pots and jars for DIY planters. A tea kettle can work for watering. Even kitchen utensils can be put to work! Things like soap slivers can be grated and sprinkled around plants to deter pests like deer or squirrels.
4. Use Kitchen Scraps
Did you know that you can regrow many fruits, vegetables, and herbs? You can use green onions, celery, romaine lettuce, potatoes, garlic, and even pineapple tops. All you have to do is put them in the soil and tend to them.
5. Make DIY Mulch
Mulch doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. You can use leaves, grass clippings, or even newspapers for your garden. DIY mulch is even healthier for your plants than store-bought.
6. Join a Community Garden
If you don’t have the space to start a garden in your backyard, you can always try to find a community garden. You can get all the benefits of gardening without buying expensive supplies or plants. You probably will learn a thing or two as well.
7. Talk to a Gardening Club
For even more ideas on how to get your garden started, you can join a local gardening club. It’s likely that members will have extra supplies or will be willing to help you out. Plus, you’ll be able to swap tips and socialize with other gardeners!
8. Use Recycled Materials
Don’t throw out things like egg cartons, milk jugs, or boxes. Did you know you can use cardboard to smother weeds under mulch? Egg cartons make great mini planters or seed starters. Milk jugs are great as watering cans or cloches. Even old sponges can be used on the bottom of planters to retain any extra moisture.
9. Harvest Seeds from Produce
Collect seeds from tomatoes, peppers, melons, and herbs you already buy. Make sure that the produce is ripe before scooping out the seeds. Rinse, dry, and store them for planting in the next growing season. Make sure that no moisture is in them before storing. Use a paper towel in a place out of direct sunlight and let it dry for 5-10 days.
Gardening for Free
Gardening doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, it doesn’t have to cost anything at all. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can turn everyday household items, kitchen scraps, and shared community resources into a thriving garden.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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