Have you always wanted a garden but think that it’s too expensive? Setting up a garden can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on your setup and maintenance needs. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to have a beautiful garden. Here we’ll share some of our favorite gardening hacks to help you save money on gardening.
Regrow Veggies
Did you know that you can use kitchen scraps to regrow veggies? You can regrow veggies like green onions and lettuce, for example. For green onions, slice off the bulbs, leaving the roots attached. You’ll want to put the bulbs root-end down in a small glass of water. Then, set it on the window sill and keep it moist. Change the water at least once a week. When the roots or four to five inches long, you’re ready to replant. Not only does this hack save you money but it also reduces waste.
Make Your Own Fertilizer
Just like regrowing veggies, you can use kitchen scraps to make fertilizer. Egg shells and coffee grounds make great fertilizer for your plants. Coffee grounds have lots of nutrients and also act as a pest deterrent. For egg shells, you’ll want to crush them before adding them to your soil.
Repurpose Containers
You don’t have to spend a lot on fancy containers. Typically, seed starter containers cost anywhere from $10-$37. For seed starters, you can use cut up egg cartons or yogurt containers. You can also use cut-up toilet paper rolls.
Ask Friends for Cuttings
The best way to save money gardening is to share with friends! Consider hosting a garden party where you swap cuttings. Then, you all can add diversity to your gardens without spending anything. To propagate plants from cuttings, you’ll want to select healthy stems and cut them to the desired length. Remove the lower leaves and then put them in water or soil.
Find Used Tools
You can usually find cheap gardening tools at your local thrift store. Don’t pay retail price for any of your supplies. You can also swap tools with friends or members of a local gardening club.
Collect Rainwater
Don’t waste money and run up your water bill! Instead, collect rainwater in barrels to water your garden. Rainwater is also better for plants because it’s softer than tap water and has more nutrients. It’s also naturally acidic, which plants love. Most organically grown plants prefer soil pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5, which is exactly the acidity of rainwater.
Create Your Own Mulch
Mulch can be very costly. Instead of buying it at a garden store, you can make your own. Try shredding newspaper, grass clippings, and leaves for the perfect consistency. This will help your garden retain moisture and reduce weeds. Homemade mulch is also much better for your garden, especially vegetable gardens since you can control what’s used in it.
What are your favorite gardening hacks? Let us know your tips and tricks in the comments.
Read More
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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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