I’m very forgiving when it comes to weeds. But because I use the square foot gardening method and garden in raised beds, I rarely have to deal with many invading plants. Still, there are some spots in my garden when I need to keep weeds out. Since landscaping fabric is pricey, I stick to these…
5 Reasons Why You Should Plant Wildflower Seeds In The Fall
There are so many reasons why you should plant wildflower seeds in the fall. Can you believe I used to think planting flowers was a waste of space? I wanted veggies to take up every ounce of square footage I had when I first started gardening. Now, my garden contains more flowers than ever before….
The Essence Of The Garden
This week I want to take a step back and talk a bit about the essence of the garden. You might be thinking: Huh? What are you talking about? As frugal gardeners—and I think this is true of most gardeners—we look at the garden in a practical, utilitarian manner. How much food can I get…
5 Reasons To Use Fabric Over Plastic Grow Bags
I love grow bags. They’re a great choice for gardeners with limited space, and you can bring them with you if you have to move. But should you use fabric over plastic grow bags? Which type of grow bag is the best option? Plastic will work in a pinch, but fabric is my favorite grow…
Winding Down For The Season
It’s time to start thinking about winding down for the season. Especially if you live in a cold climate like me. You’re probably thinking: “Wait. Isn’t it too early?” True! It’s too early to be shutting down the garden just yet. You’re probably still harvesting. And maybe you’ve even planted some cool-season crops that you…
Protect The Garden From Excessive Rainfall: Frugal Tips
While it’s not necessarily a problem in all locations, many people have to worry about protecting their garden from excessive rainfall. Plants love water! Too little, and they’ll wither away. But too much water can also cause problems. Plants that are stuck drowning in waterlogged soil can succumb to root rot. These days, unpredictable weather…
5 Compact Plants For Small Gardens
You’re probably interested in frugal gardening tips because you’re on a budget. But I’ll bet that many frugal gardeners also have to carefully budget gardening space. Most people don’t have a lot of room to work with. And even if you have a large property, it’s likely that not all areas are conducive to growing…
Using Shredded Paper As Garden Mulch
Should you use shredded paper as garden mulch? Normally, I spend my time telling you that the advice you’ve heard countless times is bogus. But using shredded paper in your garden is actually a great idea. What is mulch? Mulch is a substance added to the garden that helps soil retain moisture and stay cool….
5 Ideas for Using Up All That Basil
Using up all that basil growing in your herb garden initially sounds like it’ll be an easy task. But now that we’re deep into the summer season, you probably realize there’s a lot more of this pungent leafy herb than you ever thought possible. If left alone to grow, many herbs will eventually start to…
Can Styrofoam Be a Substitute for Perlite?
Can you use styrofoam as a perlite substitute? You might also be wondering why to use perlite in the first place. Here’s the lowdown on this helpful garden amendment. What is perlite? Perlite is sourced from volcanic glass with high water content. During the manufacturing process, the application of heat turns the glass into small,…