Once the harvests start coming in, gardeners often find themselves with an excess of one crop and another that did poorly. To make use of the extra crops and compensate for poor harvest, how about trading or sharing them up?

Check out these 5 communities where you can share your harvests.

Local Gardening Clubs

Local gardening clubs are full of enthusiasts in the same boat as you. So the question is, how can you connect with a local gardening club?

The Public Library

Start by checking with your nearest library. Many libraries have great clubs and garden-related activities like hosting a community garden, seed libraries, and harvest swaps!

Even if they don’t host one, they may have a list of community organizations and can help you get in touch with one.

Community Gardens

Check with local community centers to see if they have a gardening club. They often do have a group of garden spots you can rent where you can meet other gardeners.

Facebook/Social Media Groups

You can easily find local or semi-local gardeners to trade harvests within private groups. Just search for gardening groups in your area.

You can even go outside gardening groups and connect with homesteading groups who may have other products to trade like dairy goods, baked goods, or even crafts.

Online Etiquette

If you choose the online route, please understand that most private social media groups have expectations when you ask to exchange.

• Always check the group rules or private message an admin if they have rules. Many have a dedicated thread for people to find deals.
• Never share your or anyone else’s private information.

Online Safety

If you choose to meet up with someone you met online, follow these tips to keep yourself safe.

• Only meet in a well-lit public place, like a busy parking lot or the police station.
• Tell someone where you are going and the other person’s contact info.
• Take someone else if possible.
• Don’t give your phone number or address. Use online messages.

Farmer’s Markets

Buy produce, grab business cards from vendors, and network. Make some connections so you can ask them in the future.

As I mentioned, the markets are beautiful places to meet people who do crafts, raise meat or eggs, etc.

Roadside Stands

These are still popular in the South. Stands pop up in shady spots along the roads and popular parking lots beside food trucks. Stop, buy a small amount of produce, and ask them if they would be interested in a “produce exchange” in the future.

Master Gardeners/University Extensions

Most states have a program where agricultural scientists work with state, county, and city officials so they can help their local communities.

Master Gardeners are this organization’s branch that does community volunteer projects and fundraisers. This is made up of average gardeners and is a great place to find community and barter for harvests.

Find your local Master Gardeners

Conclusion

Gardening is a great way to relax and save money, and exchanging your harvests is a great reason to join a community of like-minded people. Which of these communities will you join?

If you are looking for ways to improve the aesthetic of your home without spending a lot of money, you should consider indoor plants. Not only do they make your home look more inviting, but many of them can also be obtained for free!

Follow along as we discuss 5 affordable indoor plants that you might also get for free.

1. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a succulent that is known for its ability to heal cuts and burns. These plants are easy to care for and can be obtained for free from many friends or family members who have them growing in their homes. The next time you’re visiting with someone that loves indoor plants, inquire about Aloe Vera. You may get lucky and walk away with some Aloe Vera of your own.

2. Snake Plant

Snake plants are another easy-to-care indoor plant that can often be obtained for free. These plants get their name from their long, snake-like leaves and can grow to be quite large. If you have a friend or family member who is looking to downsize their indoor plant collection, see if they would be willing to part with a snake plant or two.

3. Spider Plant

Spider plants are a type of flowering plant that is known for their ability to purify the air. These plants are easy to grow and can often be found for free at plant swaps. If you’re looking for an indoor plant that will not only improve the aesthetic of your home but also help to purify the air, a spider plant is a great option.

4. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are a type of fern that is known for their ability to thrive in humid environments. If you have a bathroom with little natural light, a Boston fern would be a great addition. Many people tend to have several Boston ferns in their homes and sometimes hanging on their front porches. A kind ask can score you one of these indoor gems for free.

5. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are a type of flowering plant that is known for their ability to thrive in shady areas. If you have a room in your home that doesn’t get a lot of natural light, a peace lily would be a great option. These plants are also known for their ability to reduce airborne toxins, making them a great choice for any home.

If you’re looking to improve the aesthetic of your home without breaking the bank, consider adding some of these plants to your collection.

Do you have a favorite indoor plant that didn’t make our list? Let us know in the comments below!

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Are you interested in setting up a greenhouse, but you don’t have the funds to do so? There are many frugal ways to set up a greenhouse, so let’s take a look at them below.

The Clear Garbage Bag

To allow sunlight to penetrate into the plants, you need to use a clear garbage bag. Create a dome-like frame using wires for support and insert the garbage bag from the top all the way to the bottom. To lock the moisture in and prevent the plastic from flying away, tie the open end using a rope or tape.

For only a few bucks, you can now protect your plants from extreme cold weather.

Transparent Containers

Empty water gallons/bottles or disposable food containers are also great for DIY greenhouse. Depending on the size, you can protect multiple or single plants from harsh weather —even pests. These containers will simply act as a cover. Be sure it’s heavy enough so the wind will not knock it off.

Since these items normally just occupy your storage or sit in your yard as trash, using them for this purpose is virtually free.

Wood Frames and Plastic Sheets

For small garden plots, you can create an A-Frame using wood pallets and cover it securely with clear plastic sheets. Wood pallets are perfect because they have some gaps for the sunlight to seep through.

For larger garden plots, you can create a box frame using purchased lumber or long, straight (or almost) branches from trees. Secure the transparent plastic sheets above and on the sides of the frame using staples or nails.

Convert an Existing Structure into a Greenhouse

If you have an existing structure such as a shed or garage that you’re not using, you can convert it into a greenhouse. This is a great option if you have the space, but don’t want to spend the money on a new structure. You’ll just need to add some windows big enough to let the sunlight in.

These are just a few frugal ways to set up a greenhouse. If you’re interested in growing your own plants, but don’t have a lot of money to spend, then consider one of these options.

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If you are new to gardening, it can be difficult to know where to start. There are so many things to consider – what type of plants will grow well in your climate, what tools do you need, and how often should you water your plants? No need to worry, we’ve got you covered with these 7 tips for beginners that will help make the process a little bit easier!

1. Start Small – Don’t Try To Plant a Whole Garden at Once

When starting out, it can be tempting to immediately grow a huge garden. However, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase the number of plants as you become more comfortable. This will help you to better care for your plants and avoid becoming overwhelmed.

2. Choose Plants That Are Easy To Care For

Low-maintenance plants are suitable for first-time plant parents. Some easy-to-care for plants include succulents, cacti, and herbs.

Plants with deep green leaves are also perfect for low-light environments and require less water. If you have limited outdoor space, these plants are for you:

• Spider Plant
• Aloe Vera
• Golden Pothos
• Snake Plant
• Rubber Plant
• Monstera Deliciosa plant

3. Light Source

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a spot for your garden is how much sunlight it will get. Most plants need at least six hours of sunlight per day, so make sure your spot gets an ample amount of sunlight.

If you are unsure about how much sunlight a particular spot in your yard gets, you can use a sun chart to help you determine whether or not it is a good spot for your garden. Once you have found a spot that gets plenty of sunlight, you can start planning your garden!

4. Amend the Soil With Compost or Fertilizer Before Planting

Amending the soil before planting will help your plants grow more easily. It will also help to prevent diseases as it encourages beneficial microbes. You can amend the soil with compost or fertilizer, or you can purchase a bag of pre-amended soil from your local nursery.

5. Water Your Plants Regularly, but Don’t Overwater Them

As important as the sunlight, never forget to water your plants regularly. However, it is also important not to overwater them, as this can cause problems such as root rot.

Water your plants deeply about once a week, or more often if they are in a particularly hot or dry climate. Be sure to check the soil before watering to make sure that it is dry – if the soil is still moist, you don’t need to water again quite yet.

Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes made by gardening beginners, so be sure to keep an eye on your plants and only water when necessary.

6. Weed Your Garden Regularly To Keep It Looking Neat and Tidy

Another important tip for gardening beginners is to weed your garden regularly. Weeds can compete with your plants for water and nutrients, and they can also make your garden look messy.

Try to weed your garden at least once a week, or more often if necessary. You can use a hoe, trowel, or even just your hands to remove weeds – just be sure to get the roots so that they don’t grow back. If you keep up with weeding, it will help your garden look neat, and it will also help your plants to thrive.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a gardening pro in no time! Just remember to start small, choose easy-to-care-for plants, water regularly, and weed often. Good luck!

Did you find this article helpful? Check out our other gardening articles for more tips and advice!

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